The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Port Harcourt Operations Office, in collaboration with the Rivers State Emergency Management Agency (RISEMA), has conducted an on-the-spot assessment of communities affected by recent flooding in Tai Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State.
According to findings shared by NEMA on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, several farmlands were submerged, crops were destroyed, and buildings suffered partial damage due to accompanying windstorms.
The agency noted that its visit, which was on Saturday, October 11, 2025, followed a distress call and formal letter from Hon. Bernard Ngbar, Chairman of the House Committee on Emergency Relief/Special Duties and Member representing Tai Constituency in the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Ngbar had alerted the agency to incessant rainfall spanning more than three days, which resulted in severe flooding across several communities in the area.
In response, the Head of NEMA Port Harcourt Operations Office, Mr. Eric Ebhodaghe, swiftly deployed a team of officers alongside RISEMA officials to conduct a joint assessment of the flood’s impact.
The agencies confirmed that the flooding was caused by prolonged heavy rainfall compounded by blocked drainages and water channels, which prevented proper water flow and aggravated the situation.
The joint team observed that the flooding had devastated agricultural lands, affecting the livelihoods of farmers and rural dwellers. Some residents were reportedly displaced from their homes and are now taking refuge with relatives in neighboring communities.
“The flood resulted from continuous heavy rainfall lasting over three days. Blocked drainages and water channels compounded the situation, leading to waterlogging and property damage,” .. read.
However, NEMA confirmed that no loss of life was recorded in the disaster.
During the assessment, the Community Development Committee (CDC) Chairman, Mr. Ndam Joseph, who led the team around the affected areas, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and NEMA for their prompt response to the community’s distress call.
“We are deeply grateful for the quick intervention by NEMA and RISEMA. This shows that our cries did not go unheard. We are hopeful that this assessment will lead to the necessary government support for our people,” Joseph said.
NEMA reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with state and local authorities to mitigate the impact of floods and ensure timely relief for affected residents.
“NEMA remains committed to continuous collaboration with state and local stakeholders in mitigating the effects of flood disasters and supporting affected persons,” the agency stated.
The agency emphasised the importance of community awareness, proper drainage maintenance, and early warning systems to reduce the impact of recurrent flooding in vulnerable areas across the Niger Delta region.
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