Staff Stranded As Flood Overruns Delta Broadcasting Service In Asaba
Flood Brings Activities to a Standstill at DBS Asaba
OPERATIONS at the Delta Broadcasting Service (DBS), Asaba, were severely disrupted on Thursday after heavy rainfall inundated the premises of the state-owned broadcasting station, leaving staff unable to access their offices.
The flooding, triggered by an early morning downpour, submerged large sections of the station, forcing employees reporting for duty to remain stranded outside the facility as floodwaters blocked entry points.
The incident disrupted normal administrative and broadcasting activities and renewed concerns over the vulnerability of critical public infrastructure to seasonal flooding in Delta State.
Workers Raise Alarm Over Repeated Flooding
Employees expressed frustration over what they described as recurring flooding at the station, saying the situation has become a persistent challenge each rainy season.
According to some workers, the repeated inundation is gradually affecting the structural integrity of parts of the facility, with fears that some buildings may be deteriorating because of prolonged exposure to floodwater.
They also warned that sensitive broadcasting equipment, official records and other valuable assets remain at risk whenever heavy rains occur.
Poor Drainage Blamed for Urban Flooding
The flooding has once again drawn attention to drainage deficiencies in parts of Asaba, particularly within low-lying communities where stormwater often accumulates after heavy rainfall.
Environmental experts have consistently attributed recurring urban flooding in the state capital to inadequate drainage infrastructure, blocked waterways and indiscriminate disposal of refuse into drainage channels, factors that significantly reduce the capacity of drains during intense rainfall.
Residents and environmental advocates argue that unless drainage systems are expanded, regularly maintained and protected from illegal waste disposal, flooding will continue to threaten public facilities, businesses and residential communities.
Calls for Lasting Flood-Control Measures
Following Thursday’s incident, residents called on the Delta State Government and relevant environmental agencies to urgently address drainage challenges around the DBS corridor and other flood-prone locations across Asaba.
They stressed that improving drainage infrastructure and implementing sustainable flood-control measures would not only protect public assets but also minimise disruptions to essential government services as the rainy season intensifies.
