RismadarVoice Reporters
November 12, 2026
Severe flooding has displaced residents of Ogbaru-Iriebe community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, submerging residential buildings, disrupting commercial activities and raising concerns over the safety of families and schoolchildren.
An on-the-spot assessment by a RismadarVoice reporter revealed that several streets and residential areas had been overtaken by floodwaters, forcing some residents to abandon their homes.
The flooding has also affected businesses and essential services, with shops, gas plants, schools, welding workshops and places of worship reportedly suspending operations.
Residents who spoke to RismadarVoice on condition of anonymity described the situation as a recurring problem that has continued to threaten lives, livelihoods and property.
They blamed the persistent flooding on inadequate drainage infrastructure and what they described as years of insufficient government intervention.
According to the residents, the absence of effective drainage channels has made it difficult for floodwaters to recede, leaving several neighbourhoods inaccessible.
The situation has also created serious difficulties for schoolchildren, some of whom must navigate flooded streets to attend classes.
During the assessment, the reporter observed residents, including children, struggling to move through waterlogged routes to reach schools and other destinations.
More concerning are allegations that two children have died as a result of the flooding.
Some residents who raised the alarm claimed that the deaths occurred amid the worsening flood situation. However, RismadarVoice has not independently verified the reported fatalities or established the circumstances surrounding them.
The allegations have heightened concerns among residents, who fear that continued exposure to dangerous floodwaters could result in further casualties.
They appealed to the Rivers State Government, Obio/Akpor Local Government Council and relevant emergency management agencies to provide urgent assistance to affected families.
The residents specifically demanded the construction of functional drainage channels, rehabilitation of affected access roads and implementation of long-term flood-control measures.
They also called for immediate safety interventions to protect children and other vulnerable residents.
Although the Rivers State Government and Obio/Akpor Local Government Council have previously announced flood-relief and drainage-clearing interventions in affected parts of the local government area, residents of Ogbaru-Iriebe say their community continues to face serious difficulties.
They urged the authorities to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the affected neighbourhoods and introduce sustainable measures to prevent further damage.
The residents warned that without timely intervention, recurring flooding could continue to disrupt education, businesses and daily life while exposing more families to avoidable risks.
