By Solomon OKPO
A heavy downpour that lasted over three hours, from 12:00 noon to 3:30 p.m. yesterday, unleashed widespread flooding across Uyo, turning major roads into rivers and leaving scores of commuters stranded.
Worst hit was the Akwa Ibom State Secretariat and its surrounding areas, where civil servants and office workers were seen wading barefoot through knee-deep water, their shoes in hand. The unexpected deluge overwhelmed existing drainage systems, exposing the city’s fragile infrastructure.
Eyewitnesses described the experience as “chaotic” and “frustrating,” with vehicles trapped mid-road and pedestrians seeking shelter at nearby shops and buildings. Traffic came to a near standstill in several areas, with commercial tricycles and taxis abandoning routes due to impassable roads.
“This is not just rain; it’s a complete flood,” lamented a civil servant caught in the flood zone. “Government needs to act fast to improve drainage before the peak of the rainy season.”
Emergency services were notably absent during the flooding, raising concerns about the state’s disaster preparedness and response mechanisms.
Residents are advised to remain indoors during heavy rainfall, avoid flooded zones, and seek elevated ground where necessary. Meanwhile, environmental activists and civil engineers have renewed calls for the state government to invest in flood control measures and enforce urban planning regulations.
As Uyo dries out and assesses the damage, all eyes are on the skies—and the government’s next steps.
