The worsening flood situation in Rivers State has left hundreds of residents displaced, with families forced to seek shelter in vehicles, uncompleted buildings, bridges and other temporary locations as floodwater continues to submerge homes and communities.
In parts of Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, residents are struggling to cope with the aftermath of days of torrential rainfall, which has flooded homes, businesses, schools and major roads.
For Vivian Onyeije, a mother of four from Rumusita in Eneka, the flooding has meant moving repeatedly in search of safety.
After floodwater rose to her waist inside her home, Onyeije fled with her children to her shop. Two days later, she was forced out again when the water reached the shop.
The family subsequently moved into an uncompleted building around Rumopku, but another heavy downpour submerged the area around the building.
With no safe alternative, Onyeije and her four children are now sleeping inside their vehicle.
Her experience reflects the growing humanitarian challenge facing residents whose homes have become inaccessible or uninhabitable.
Across Rumuodumanya and other affected communities, displaced families have reportedly taken refuge in vehicles, while some residents have resorted to bridges and flyovers as temporary shelters for themselves and their belongings.
The flooding has also disrupted education, with schools in communities including Rumusita, Nkpolu and Rumuakoara reportedly forced to suspend activities as floodwater made access difficult.
Businesses and places of worship have equally been affected, while several roads and neighbourhoods across Port Harcourt and surrounding areas have become difficult to navigate.
Affected locations include Eneka, Rumuekini, Choba, NTA Road, Stadium Road, Mgboba, GRA, Rupokwu, Alakahia, Oyigbo, Atali, Rumuparali, Ogbogoro, Iwofe, Rumulumeni and other communities.
The situation has also raised concerns about public health and safety. Reports indicated that a 19-year-old resident died after being bitten by a snake amid the flooding, highlighting the additional dangers posed by displaced reptiles and contaminated floodwater.
Despite earlier flood warnings, concerns remain over the availability of organised evacuation centres and emergency shelters for affected residents.
The absence of widespread government-arranged accommodation has left many families to make their own arrangements, with some reportedly relocating to villages while others search for temporary accommodation amid rising rents.
Residents have called for urgent intervention, including relief materials, temporary shelters, evacuation support and measures to protect vulnerable families.
A resident of Rumuekini, Blessing Friday, said several people had been forced out of their homes and appealed to the Rivers State Government to assist affected communities.
Environmental and social justice advocates have also called for a stronger emergency response system capable of moving residents to safety before flood conditions become critical.
Meanwhile, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area has begun some intervention efforts, with its chairman mobilising a flood committee that was seen desilting a canal along SARS Road.
Beyond the immediate emergency, the flooding has renewed questions about the state’s long-term preparedness for increasingly severe rainfall and its capacity to respond rapidly when communities are overwhelmed.
Residents say the priority now is immediate assistance for displaced families, protection of lives and property, and the provision of safe temporary accommodation until floodwaters recede.
For families like Onyeije’s, however, the crisis is not about statistics or infrastructure alone. It is about finding somewhere safe to sleep each night while waiting for the water to go down.
