Thursday’s heavy rainfall wreaked havoc in several parts of Akwa Ibom State, particularly within Uyo and parts of Abak Local Government Area.
The rain caused widespread flooding that submerged people’s houses, carried away vehicles, disrupted transportation, damaged businesses, and leaving many residents stranded.
In his response on the devastating flood situation, the governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has ordered for the immediate clearance of drainages and flood evacuation across affected areas.
Eno also ordered removal of illegal structures, even as he launched an emergency flood response team, all in a bid to tackle flooding.
The governor in a statement by the commissioner for information, Mr Aniekan Umanah, directed, “some construction companies in the state to immediately mobilize to flood-affected areas to evacuate excess storm water, drain flooded communities, and restore normalcy following the torrential rainfall experienced on Thursday, July 9, 2026.
“The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), under the Office of the deputy governor, the ministry of environment, and the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency should immediately inspect the affected locations, assess the extent of the damage, and implement appropriate emergency measures to ameliorate the situation.
“Thursday’s heavy rainfall resulted in storm water flooding in several parts of Uyo, including Nkemba Street (Abak Road), Itu Road, Osongama Estate, and Shelter Afrique, as well as some areas in Abak Local Government Area.”
The state government sympathized with all residents affected by the flooding and reassured the public of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
Government further assured natives and residents that immediate intervention has commenced in some affected areas, while the implementation of lasting flood mitigation measures is also being considered.
“It will be recalled that the Nigerian Metrological Agency ( Nimet) had earlier issued warnings of possible flooding in several states of the federation during the current rainy season. In view of this, the Akwa Ibom State Government calls on all residents to complement government efforts by ensuring that drainage channels around their homes and business premises are kept free of refuse and other obstructions to allow the free flow of storm water.
“The government urges members of the public to refrain from dumping refuse into waterways and drainage channels, as such practices obstruct the free flow of storm water and significantly contribute to flooding. It will take the collective efforts of both the government and the people to effectively address and control this challenge.
“Similarly, government will remove all structures and properties obstructing waterways and drainage lines , regardless of ownership or the persons involved, in order to ensure the free flow of storm water and protect lives and property.”
Eno further reaffirmed his administration’s committment to protecting lives and property, even as he urged citizens to cooperate fully with emergency response agencies as efforts to restore normalcy continue in the affected areas.
