RismadarVoice Reporters
October 14, 2026
Residents of Rumuchiorlu Farm Road in Eneka, Rivers State, have raised concerns over severe flooding in their community, alleging that at least eight children have died within three weeks amid rising floodwaters and reported snake bites.
The residents appealed to the Rivers State Government to urgently address the persistent flooding, warning that the situation has continued to threaten lives, damage property and expose households to serious health risks.
The reported deaths and their causes have not been independently verified, while no official confirmation of the fatalities has been established.
The Chairman of the Rumuchiorlu Farm Road Landlords and Residents Association, Martin Ikechukwu-Okafor, urged the government to prioritise permanent flood-control measures rather than depend solely on financial assistance to affected households.
His appeal followed an announcement by the Rivers State Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Odu, that Governor Siminalayi Fubara had approved ₦200,000 each for 35 households identified as flood victims.
The intervention represents a total financial commitment of ₦7 million to the affected households.
While acknowledging the government’s response, residents maintained that financial relief alone would not resolve the recurring flooding or prevent further displacement and damage.
Another resident, Amarachukwu Onukwube, raised concerns about the health implications of prolonged exposure to floodwater, reporting that several women and girls were experiencing skin infections and rashes.
Residents also described difficulties moving around the neighbourhood, with some households reportedly using water tanks as improvised boats to navigate flooded streets.
The situation has disrupted movement and raised concerns about sanitation, access to healthcare and the safety of children and other vulnerable residents.
Community members are calling for urgent drainage improvements, effective flood management and other lasting interventions to protect lives and property.
They also want relevant authorities to assess the reported fatalities, investigate their circumstances and provide appropriate medical and emergency assistance to affected households.
As residents continue to contend with the flooding, the community is appealing for a coordinated government response that addresses both immediate humanitarian needs and the underlying causes of the disaster.
