12-hour downpour floods Makurdi communities

A submerged building. Photo:John Charles

Several communities in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, were flooded following a downpour that lasted for about 12 hours from Sunday night into Monday.

The rainfall, which began on Sunday night, continued into Monday, leaving some houses and streets submerged.

PUNCH Metro learnt that the affected areas included Achusa, Rice Mill in Wadata, Idye and Naka Road.

The flooding was reportedly worsened by ongoing road construction and uncompleted drainage channels, some of which overflowed into adjoining communities.

Our correspondent, who monitored the situation, observed that residential buildings and eateries around areas undergoing construction and close to riverbanks were badly affected, as floodwater took over streets and entered some homes.

A resident of Achusa, who identified herself simply as Debby, said the rainfall affected several houses in the community.

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She said, “You know that the rain started on Sunday and continued today (Monday). Though it was not that heavy, it has flooded our community and affected some residential houses.

“Let me commend the state governor, Hyacinth Alia, for addressing the issue of perennial flooding in Makurdi through the ongoing road construction and drainage projects.

“However, the state government should direct the construction companies handling the roads to open some of the blocked channels to allow the free flow of water.

“My observation is that the indiscriminate closure of roads and streets, as well as the blockage of drainage channels, contributed to the flooding we experienced today.”

When contacted, the Information Officer of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency, Tema Ager, confirmed that the agency had received a report of flooding in Achusa but had yet to visit the area for an assessment.

Ager said, “Yes, we received a report of flooding in Achusa, but we have yet to go there for an assessment.”