A torrential downpour on Wednesday evening has left vehicles trapped and motorcycles swept away along the Old Lagos-Agbor Road in Boji-Boji Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State. The heavy rainfall caused widespread flooding, leaving many motorists and commuters stranded. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in the wake of the natural disaster.
The rain, which lasted for several hours, overwhelmed the drainage systems in some parts of the area, leading to the flooding. As vehicles attempted to navigate through the rising waters, several were trapped, while motorcycles were swept away by the powerful current. Despite the chaos, authorities confirmed that there were no fatalities.
The incident has raised concerns about the state’s preparedness to handle flooding during the rainy season, particularly in areas with inadequate drainage systems. However, the state government has expressed sympathy for those affected, offering support to those whose vehicles and motorcycles were either destroyed or taken by the floodwaters.
In the aftermath of the flood, Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, addressed the situation during a press conference held in Asaba on Thursday. Aniagwu emphasized the need for collective action to prevent such disasters in the future and underscored the importance of environmental consciousness among residents.
“The heavy downpour yesterday caused severe damage to property, particularly vehicles and motorcycles in the Ika axis,” Aniagwu stated. “While the rain was heavy in other parts of the state, the flooding in Agbor was particularly devastating. We are committed to addressing these challenges and ensuring our residents are aware of their responsibilities in reducing the risks of such disasters.”
He further acknowledged that while Asaba, the state capital, experienced heavy rainfall as well, it did not suffer the same level of disruption as Ika South. This, according to Aniagwu, was a result of proactive flood control measures implemented by the state government over the years.
During his address, the commissioner highlighted the steps the state government has taken to address flooding and ensure better drainage systems across Delta State. Aniagwu pointed to the dual drains constructed along major roads, including the Old Lagos-Agbor Road, which are designed to channel floodwaters effectively.
“For many of the roads we have constructed, we ensured the installation of dual drains to handle heavy rainfall. In some cases, we’ve even gone a step further to build dedicated storm drainages,” he explained. “This has been part of our long-term strategy to mitigate flooding in the state. We’re pleased to report that some areas have seen improvements, but challenges remain.”
Aniagwu also noted that flood control efforts in Asaba had been particularly successful, as the city did not experience the same level of disruption as other parts of the state. He attributed this success to the ongoing development of stormwater infrastructure and drainage systems in the region.
While the state government has made strides in flood control, the commissioner stressed that residents must also play a crucial role in maintaining drainage systems and ensuring that they are not obstructed by waste. He urged the people of Delta to adopt environmentally friendly practices, such as disposing of waste properly and avoiding the practice of dumping refuse into drainage channels.
The impact of the flood was felt most keenly by the residents of Agbor, where vehicles and motorcycles were trapped in the rising waters. In some cases, the current of the floodwaters was so strong that motorcycles were swept away, leaving their owners stranded. Some vehicles, which attempted to navigate the flooded road, were rendered immobile and had to be abandoned until the waters receded.
In the wake of the incident, the Delta State government extended its sympathies to those affected. Aniagwu expressed regret for the loss of property but reassured the public that the government would continue to focus on flood control measures to minimize the impact of future rainfall.
“We sympathize with those whose motorcycles or vehicles were destroyed or swept away by the flood,” Aniagwu said. “We understand the hardship this has caused and are committed to improving flood management in the state.”
The commissioner also acknowledged that while the government has made significant progress in addressing flooding, much work remains to be done to ensure that all areas are adequately protected from the impact of heavy rains. He called for a collective effort from both the government and the public to reduce the risks posed by natural disasters like flooding.
A key message from the commissioner’s address was the importance of environmental consciousness. He urged Delta State residents to be more mindful of their surroundings and to avoid practices that contribute to the clogging of drainage systems.
“Many people are guilty of dumping refuse in drains, hoping that floodwaters will carry it away. This practice significantly undermines the capacity of our drainage systems to handle the volume of water during heavy rains,” Aniagwu stated. “When refuse accumulates in the drains, it blocks the water channels and exacerbates flooding.”
He pointed out that despite the state government’s investment in drainage infrastructure, these efforts can be undermined by improper waste disposal. He appealed to residents to take responsibility for their actions and help maintain the drainage systems to ensure they function properly during the rainy season.
The commissioner’s comments are a reminder of the need for ongoing public education on the importance of waste management and environmental responsibility. While the government has made strides in flood control, it is clear that the collaboration of citizens is crucial to reducing the impact of future disasters.
As Delta State continues to face the challenges of managing its flood risk, the state government remains committed to implementing solutions that will reduce the impact of future downpours. The construction of additional storm drainages, the maintenance of existing infrastructure, and the promotion of environmentally responsible practices are all part of the government’s ongoing strategy to address flooding.
In the wake of the recent flood, it is clear that while significant progress has been made in flood control, there is still much to be done. Both the government and residents must work together to ensure that the state is better prepared for the challenges posed by heavy rains and flooding in the future.
