By Samuel Olusegun Precious
Heavy rainfall on Thursday caused flooding and severe traffic congestion across parts of Port Harcourt, leaving motorists and commuters stranded as roads and streets became difficult to navigate.
The downpour began in the morning and intensified during the afternoon, with flooding reported in several parts of the Rivers State capital.
An Exceed FM correspondent witnessed heavy gridlock around Nkpolu Junction on the East-West Road, where an overturned heavy-duty vehicle blocked one lane of the road, forcing motorists to drive against the normal flow of traffic.
Floodwater was also reported around the junction, further worsening movement in the area.
Other locations affected by the flooding included Rukpokwu, Obiri-Ikwere Airport Road, NTA Road, Ozuoba and Rumukwachi, among other parts of the city.
The situation has also affected residents and businesses in some flood-prone communities, with some tenants and business owners reportedly relocating from affected areas.
The flooding has also disrupted the resumption of some schools in Rivers State, with some yet to commence the new academic session which began on Monday.
Some residents affected by the flooding have appealed to the Rivers State Government to provide urgent assistance.
Meanwhile, the Orashi National Congress has called on the state government to reactivate the Flood Committee led by the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, to coordinate assistance for affected residents and address the recurring flooding challenge.
The group also called for the provision of palliatives to flood victims while longer-term measures are pursued to tackle the problem.
