Floodwaters continue to rise in Bayelsa State, submerging communities across all three senatorial districts and bringing severe hardship to residents. Areas such as Adagbabiri in Sagbama, Kolo 2 in Ogbia, and Okordia in Yenagoa are among those recently affected, with residents caught off guard by the unexpectedly high water levels.
Chief Alagoa Morris, Technical Adviser to the governor on Environment, described this year’s flood as “relatively big” though not as severe as previous “monster” floods. Yet, the unexpected increase at a time when the water levels were expected to decline has caused distress, particularly for those who anticipated less impact.
Contradicting reports about the flood’s progression have added to the confusion. Mr. Walson Omuso, Head of the Bayelsa State Directorate of Flood and Erosion Control, stated on Tuesday that water levels are now receding. “The water is going down. There is no more flood this year. We have to plan against next year,” he commented.
Chief Morris, however, remains on-site conducting an on-the-spot assessment of affected areas, having already visited flood-hit communities including Biseni, Okordia, Kolo 2, Sampou, and other parts of Kolokuma/Opokuma. He reported that other Yenagoa communities like Akenfa and Akenpai, as well as Amassoma, Anibeze, Osifo, and Abuetor, are now underwater, with no emergency shelters or services available to assist residents.
The rising flood levels have underscored an urgent need for emergency services and relief efforts, as affected residents face limited access to essential resources and shelter. The government’s Directorate of Flood and Erosion Control, along with community leaders, is called upon to prioritize preparedness and response measures to mitigate the impact on these vulnerable communities in the future.
