Flood sweeps away vehicles, motorcycles in Delta

Flood sweeps away vehicles, motorcycles in Delta

Hundreds of vehicles and motorcycles were on Wednesday swept away by several hours of torrential rain in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, Delta State.

Sources said vehicular movements were grounded as people battled hard to navigate their way out of the flooded road at the axis of the Lagos-Asaba Expressway.

Although no casualty was recorded in the natural disaster, motorcycles were carried away in the rain that started at about 4:20 pm.

The people described the rain as a national disaster and advised governments to provide storm drainage on both sides of the road.

Reacting, the Delta State Government said it is time for residents, stakeholders, and organisations to take collective and proactive measures in mitigating the impact of natural disasters.

The government also emphasized the need for community engagement, preparedness, and sustainable practices to safeguard lives and property, following the increasing threats posed by flooding, erosion, and other environmental hazards.

The State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, said this at a press conference in Asaba while reacting to Wednesday’s torrential rain and flood erosion along Old Lagos – Agbor Road, Boji-Boji Agbor, and called for a collective positive action against natural disasters.

He urged residents to adopt environmentally friendly practices, adhere to safety guidelines, and work together in building a more resilient Delta State.

Aniagwu said: “Yesterday most of you saw and witnessed the very heavy downpour across the state and then the havoc it wreaked on some properties particularly vehicles and motorcycles in the Ika axis.

“I am sure it happened in other places but it wasn’t that devastating and we needed to address it for individuals to know what is expected of them even as the government has continued to take actions to mitigate such occurrence.”

The Commissioner said, “I sympathize with some of our brothers and sisters whose motorcycles or vehicles were either destroyed or taken away by the flood.

“We have giant drains on both sides of that road to accommodate flood water whenever it rains quite heavily.”