Residents in Delta State Displaced by Floods as Government Evaluates Damage

Heavy rain has forced many people to leave their homes in Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State. Houses and properties are now underwater, and the state government has started assessing the damage.

The flooding came after several days of heavy rain. Many residents have had to flee, and several households are counting their losses.

This situation led the Delta State Government to visit the affected areas to see how bad the damage was and find out where help is most needed.

Ejiro Terry Etacherure, the state Commissioner for Bureau of Special Duties, led the State Emergency Management Team on this inspection on Monday.

Etacherure expressed his sympathy for those affected and said the government would look into ways to provide immediate relief. They also plan to find long-term solutions for the flooding that keeps happening in the area.

He explained that this inspection was important so the government could understand how severe the damage was and identify places that need urgent help.

According to him, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration cares a lot about the safety and well-being of the residents.

But the commissioner also asked residents to do their part in keeping their environment clean. He warned that dumping waste anywhere and blocking drainage channels could make flooding worse.

“As citizens, you have the responsibility to take care of your environment. You cannot expect the government to construct drainage and still expect the government to maintain it for you,” he said.

Etacherure cautioned against building homes on waterways or dumping waste in drainage systems, as these actions can block stormwater flow.

He instructed the Environmental Department of the Ethiope West Local Government Council to start awareness campaigns in Oghara right away. They also need to clear blocked drainage channels.

The commissioner noted that managing floods well needs teamwork between the government and residents. He emphasized early actions to prevent flooding.

He urged the residents to regularly clean their surroundings and drainage systems to lessen the flooding effects during heavy rains.

Flooding has been a constant issue in parts of Delta State. Oghara has been identified before as needing flood and erosion-control measures. State budget documents also mention flood and erosion control in Oghara, along with other drainage projects in the area.

In August, the state government stepped up flood preparedness by identifying vulnerable communities and possible emergency shelters before the peak rainy season.

Edafe Abada, speaking for the Oghara community, said the situation has become serious. Many houses are underwater, and some residents have had to leave.

He appealed to the state government for urgent help by improving drainage systems and assisting families affected by the flooding.

The government stated that this assessment would help plan its response to the current issues and figure out what needs to be done to reduce future flooding in Oghara.