Flood submerges houses in Benue

Heavy rainfall over a nine-hour period on Monday inundated several houses in Makurdi, the capital city of Benue State. The downpour started overnight and continued into the evening, impacting numerous residential neighborhoods such as Achussa, New GRA, and areas adjacent to Radio Benue, Nyiman, Idye, Naka road, North Bank, Ankpa Quarters, Tilley Gyado-Terwase Agbadu, Wurukum, and Wadata.

Reports indicate that flooding led to the destruction of household items and food supplies among local residents. Commuters faced challenges as floodwaters overwhelmed roads, leaving them stranded. Observers noted that buildings and business establishments near construction sites and riverbanks were particularly vulnerable to the flooding.

Frank Tion, a local resident, attributed the flooding to blocked drainage channels resulting from ongoing road construction, urging Governor Hyacinth Alia to order contractors to clear the channels and allow water to flow freely. Tion also criticized the indiscriminate closure of roads and drainage systems by construction firms, which he believes exacerbated the flooding situation.

In contrast, Theresa Andyson, another resident, acknowledged the role of the government in building large drainages, which helped mitigate the impact of the flooding. However, she emphasized that the continuous construction projects in the city might have also played a part in the flooding, especially in areas where water channels were obstructed for construction purposes.

The Information Officer of Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Terna Ager, confirmed that the agency had received reports of flooding in Achussa but had not yet conducted a site visit for assessment.