Residents Express Readiness Over Rising Flood Water in Yenagoa, Says No Cause for Panic
Contrary to earlier predictions, the flood water appears mild and less devastating as at mid-October which is usually the peak of the flood season, though residents in Yenagoa, capital of Bayelsa State have expressed readiness in case there is a sudden increase saying there is no cause to panic.
Speaking to our Street Correspondent, who is monitoring the rising water level, reports say residents are better prepared for the flood unlike previous years.
Residents say the flood will not be as devastating as predicted but are ready if there is any repeat of event as it happened in 2022.
Madam Agnes, a groundnut and banana seller in Opolo told our correspondent that if the flood comes she is ready because she had expected it since September.
She said, “In September 2022, me and my five children were out of house due to flood. My daughter lost some of her academic documents; before we woke up at midnight, we were caught unaware in our living room’.
‘But this time, we have made preparations from August. We had washed and packed our clothes in bags, properly secured important documents and valuable items in rows. We quickly made provision to raise them above last year’s flood level but made a few reservation of what to wear while we observe the situation.
“To the glory of God, the flood level is still low as it happened in 2023. While we wait in expectation, we are better prepared for any situation”, she added.
Another resident in Opolo community, says he is hopeful that there will not be any untold rise in the flood water again as predicted, he noted that the rain and water level has begun to recede.
He told our correspondent that the recent rise in the water level leading to overflow of banks of Epie Creek in some part of Yenagoa is due to the rainfall between Saturday night October 12 and Monday October 14, adding there is no need to express to panic or fear over further rise in the water level.
You would recall that Government agencies have issued flood alert to some states including Bayelsa.
Our Street Correspondent observed that farmlands are gradually been overtaken by water.
