Reported by Ariajegbe Sylvia Esezobor
Several parts of Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, have been submerged by flash floods following about three days of persistent rainfall, submerging homes, roads, estates, markets and business premises and forcing residents to flee their houses as floodwaters entered living rooms and disrupted normal life across the city.
According to Channels Television, floodwaters have been observed in areas including New G.R.A., sections of the Eliozu–G.U. Ake Road, Eneka, Elimgbu, Odili Road, SARS Road and parts of Rupokwu, among others. The prolonged rainfall has left water stagnant in some areas, while other parts of the city have recorded significant flooding, raising concerns among residents. The situation appears more severe in some residential communities, particularly around the Eneka axis, where residents are dealing with floodwaters entering their homes. Videos circulating on social media show some residents crying and appealing for help as floodwaters overtake parts of their homes.
News Express reported that the flooding left residents stranded in several parts of the city, with some moving mattresses, cooking utensils and other valuables to safer locations, while others with nowhere to go were seen seeking higher ground within their compounds. Homes, offices, markets, hospitals and estates, as well as areas under flyovers, were reportedly overwhelmed by rising floodwaters. The situation also disrupted academic activities, with students and pupils in some of the worst-hit areas unable to access their schools. Several major roads became impassable as floodwaters trapped vehicles and left commuters stranded. Among the areas badly affected were Rukpokwu, Rumuokwuta, Obiwali Road, Peter Odili Road, Eneka, SARS Road, Aba Road, Eliozu, Ozuoba and NTA Road.
The flooding also disrupted social activities, with wedding guests reportedly stranded at the weekend when floodwaters submerged a reception venue. Heaps of refuse and sewage floating on the floodwaters have further heightened fears of a possible outbreak of diseases among residents. No official casualty figures have been released as of the time of filing reports on the incident.
The recurring nature of the flooding has been attributed to a combination of blocked drainage channels, poor urban planning, the failure of existing stormwater infrastructure to cope with heavy rainfall, and the encroachment of natural waterways by unregulated construction. A resident, who spoke to News Express, called on the government to launch an emergency flood-control programme. She said, "I respectfully appeal for an immediate assessment of these areas and a coordinated flood control programme. We need more than an emergency approach during a rainy season like this. We need properly connected drainage systems, desilting and widening of major drains, clearing of blocked waterways and culverts, adequate water outlets, and regular maintenance." Another resident, Tina Ugbo, blamed the development on indiscriminate house construction and encroachment on waterways. She said, "They have sold lands in Port Harcourt, and sadly, many of our waterways have also been encroached upon. People have knowingly and unknowingly built homes and businesses on areas meant for water to flow."
The Federal Government had warned in August 2026 that 915 communities across 19 states, including Port Harcourt, were at critical risk of flooding between August 27 and September 9, 2026, citing high soil moisture, rapid surface runoff and drainage surcharge. The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency also issued a high flood risk alert for 15 states, including Rivers, from September 19 to 25, 2026, advising residents in flood-prone communities to relocate people, livestock and valuables to safer, higher ground.
The Rivers State Government, through the Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Rivers State Flood Prevention and Management Committee, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has commenced the distribution of relief materials to residents affected by flooding in Port Harcourt City and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas, in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency and the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme. Vulnerable flood victims, including children, pregnant women and elderly persons, are being identified and enrolled in RIVCHPP to receive free treatment at designated health facilities. The Deputy Governor appealed to residents to stop dumping refuse in drains and waterways and urged developers to avoid obstructing waterways with buildings and other structures. In Obio/Akpor, the government said the Governor had directed the Ministry of Environment to investigate the causes of the recurring flooding and develop sustainable solutions.
The flooding in Port Harcourt is the latest in a series of incidents that have affected the city in 2026. Earlier in September, a four-hour downpour submerged Woji, NTA Road, Choba, Ogbogoro, Eneka, Mile 3, Rumukwachi and Ozuoba, forcing families to flee their homes and trapping vehicles in flooded streets. The recurrence of flooding during every rainy season has become a source of profound frustration for residents, who argue that the underlying problems of blocked drains, unplanned development and inadequate infrastructure remain unaddressed. As the rains continue, the fear is that more communities will be affected, and the demand for a permanent solution grows more urgent by the day.
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