Akwa Ibom Begins Emergency Flood Response After Torrential Rain
Akwa Ibom Launches Emergency Flood Intervention
THE Akwa Ibom State Government has commenced emergency measures to mitigate the impact of severe storm water flooding triggered by torrential rainfall that affected parts of the state on Thursday.
Governor Umo Eno directed construction companies handling government projects to immediately mobilise equipment and personnel to flood-affected communities to evacuate excess storm water, clear blocked drainage channels and restore normalcy in impacted areas.
Government Agencies Mobilised
As part of the emergency response, the Governor instructed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), operating under the Office of the Deputy Governor, alongside the Ministry of Environment and the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency, to conduct immediate assessments of affected locations.
The agencies have also been tasked with evaluating the extent of damage, coordinating emergency interventions and recommending additional measures to reduce the impact of the flooding on residents and infrastructure.
Communities Affected
According to the state government, the heavy rainfall caused significant flooding in several parts of Uyo, including Nkemba Street along Abak Road, Itu Road, Osongama Estate and Shelter Afrique. Parts of Abak Local Government Area were also affected by the downpour.
The government expressed sympathy to residents whose homes, businesses and livelihoods were impacted, assuring them that emergency interventions had already begun while longer-term flood control solutions were being developed.
Residents Urged to Support Flood Prevention
Recalling earlier flood warnings issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) for the current rainy season, the government appealed to residents to keep drainage channels around their homes and business premises free from refuse and other obstructions.
It also warned against indiscriminate dumping of waste into waterways, describing the practice as a major contributor to urban flooding.
Illegal Structures to Be Removed
The government further announced that structures obstructing natural waterways and drainage systems would be removed irrespective of ownership, stressing that protecting lives and property remains a top priority.
It called on residents to cooperate fully with emergency response agencies as efforts continue to restore normalcy across affected communities.
