Lateef Olayinka
Different parts of Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, were submerged after several hours of rain on Thursday morning.
Areas affected included Old and New GRA, Odili Road, Ogbunabali, Trans-Amadi, the area in front of the state Secretariat complex and Government House.
In some of the areas, the water filled homes rising up to window levels. One of the victims was the former deputy governor, Sir Gabriel Toby, whose home was flooded. His daughter, Mrs. Ibim Seminitari, said the elder statesman and his wife, Dr. Christy Toby, were stranded as a result of the flood, which caught them unawares.
A gang of youths created fun out of the disaster along Azikiwe Road, when they brought in nets to catch fishes that were washed into the street by the flashflood.
Many residents lamented the situation but blamed it on unrestrained construction works going on in the city, which did not factor in the impact on the environment. They also blamed government for reclaiming creeks which served as reservoir for storm water in the city.
But some others blamed property developers and residents that fill up natural drains and canals. The last time similar floods wreaked havoc in Port Harcourt was two months ago when many homes were flooded. Flooding hadn’t been a serious issue in Port Harcourt until a few years ago when development extended to neighbouring creeks.
Government was yet to react to the disaster.
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