By Dinma Bigwa/Gift Uwagboe
Hundreds of residents of River banks in parts of Asaba have been gripped with fears as River Niger continued to show serious signs to overflow its banks, with many already being displaced as the flood advances.
Despite the warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) on the impending flooding, residents of coastal areas in Asaba, Anwai-Asaba, Ugbolu, Otu-Ogwu, Ogbeofu (Cable Point), Infant Jesus, and behind the Stephen Keshi Stadium, all within the Delta State capital are still marking time and contemplating whether to move to upper land or not.
However, a visit by our correspondents to the affected areas showed that River Niger has not only increased in volume by overflowing its bank, but has also encroached on residential areas, submerging buildings in some cases.
In the areas visited, the water was observed advancing on daily basis and threatening buildings and residents.
For instance, at the areas behind the Stephen Keshi Stadium, some families have been displaced while others are hopeful that the flood may soon recede.
Our correspondents also saw some residents at the river bank, viewing the advancing flood. They told The Pointer that the flood may not advance to the level of displacing them.
In a chat, a resident, Mr. Friday Nnamchi, said he was optimistic that the water will not go beyond its present point, saying that the flood will soon recede.
“I am hopeful it won’t exceed this point. The flood water stopped at our backyards, it’s just our plants and foundations that are suffering”, he declared, recalling that “three years ago, it was worse than this, the whole street was flooded. But this year, and last year, it has not exceeded this point”.
He called on the state government to consider constructing solids breaks to stop floods as the constant annual flood was causing great damage to foundations of their houses. Also, he suggested that government should reach the locals with mosquito nets and other health items because they were already suffering from mosquitoes due to the water.
Another resident, who does not want his name in print revealed that his building had been over flooded and all the tenants displaced to other areas within the vicinity to seek shelter outside of their comfort. He also expressed the hope that the flood will soon recede to enable them go back to their house.
