Residents of Rumuapu, a community in Rukpokwu, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, are now living alongside crocodiles and snakes that have entered their flooded homes. The unusual flooding, described as the most severe in about 15 years, has submerged homes and forced residents to wade through water containing dangerous reptiles.
Residents Describe Unprecedented Flooding
A woman who has lived in the community for 14 years told the BBC she had never witnessed flooding of such magnitude. "This is my 14th year living in this place. It has never happened before. Normally, during rainfall, the compound would be flooded, but after the rainfall, the water would go away. We have not seen this kind of water before," she said.
Another resident reported that floodwater reaches her waist when she returns home, adding that the community had never experienced anything like it. For a third resident, the situation has become even more disturbing, with household belongings floating alongside dangerous reptiles in the floodwater.
Residents Appeal for Government Intervention
"At this point, it is as if we are internally displaced people. The government just has to come to our aid to see how they can help with the situation. It is not funny. Everything in my house is floating. Everything including snake, crocodile and other reptiles so, it is not funny," the resident said.
The flooding has also disrupted the Agbarho-Ughelli Expressway in Delta State after a section of the road became impassable following the collapse of a culvert. Commuters were stranded for hours as motorists struggled to navigate the affected route.
Federal Warning Comes True
The Federal Government had warned in August that 33 states, including Rivers and Delta, were at risk of flooding as river levels rose. The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) urged residents in flood-prone communities to move to safer and higher ground, warning that rising water levels could damage homes, roads, farmlands and critical infrastructure.
Parts of Delta State were hit by severe flooding that submerged homes, businesses and major roads across Agbarho, Ughelli, Warri, Udu and other areas. With homes submerged and dangerous reptiles appearing in the floodwater, residents are now appealing for urgent intervention as they struggle to protect their lives and whatever remains of their belongings.
