Heavy flooding triggered by an overnight downpour has submerged the Delta State High Court in Agbarho, Ughelli North Local Government Area, leaving residential buildings, business premises and public infrastructure under water.
The flood, which followed several hours of rainfall from Thursday night into Friday morning, also affected communities across the Agbarho axis, including Orhokpokpor, Ehwere, Ughrwughelli and Oviri, where residents counted heavy losses after water swept through homes and commercial areas.
The persistent rainfall overwhelmed existing drainage channels, causing widespread flooding that disrupted business activities and made many roads impassable.
Motorists and pedestrians were forced to wade through flooded streets as transportation and other daily activities slowed significantly.
Residents said they woke up to find their homes submerged, with furniture, electrical appliances, food items, clothing and other household valuables either damaged or destroyed by the floodwaters.
Several shop owners also suspended business operations after floodwater invaded their premises, destroying goods and causing substantial financial losses.
Many residents blamed the recurring flooding on inadequate drainage infrastructure and blocked waterways, arguing that the situation has continued to worsen whenever there is prolonged rainfall.
One resident lamented that the flooding has become a yearly occurrence, saying the family struggled to salvage household belongings but still lost several valuable items before the water could be controlled.
The resident urged the relevant authorities to take urgent steps to address the persistent problem.
A trader whose shop was affected described the incident as a major setback, noting that the flood destroyed a significant portion of the goods in the store, resulting in considerable economic losses.
Residents have appealed to the state government and other relevant agencies to improve drainage systems, clear blocked waterways and implement lasting flood control measures to prevent future occurrences.