Residents of several communities in Imo State are facing severe disruption after days of heavy rainfall triggered widespread flooding, leaving people stranded and pushing up transport fares across affected routes.
The National Emergency Management Agency has been carrying out rescue operations since Sunday, moving residents trapped in flooded areas around Amakaohia and Akwakuma near Rochas Market to safer locations. NEMA has also urged people in flood-prone communities to relocate to higher ground.
Communities including Umuguma, Emeabiam, FUTO, Eziobodo, Ihiagwa, Ohaozara, World Bank and New Owerri have reported flooded roads, homes and businesses. Parts of Okigwe Road and Wethral Road were also submerged.
The flooding has severely affected transportation, with fewer commercial vehicles willing to operate on damaged or waterlogged roads. One route that normally costs N500 reportedly rose to N1,000, while another commuter said she paid N1,500 for a journey that ordinarily costs significantly less.
Residents say the disruption is putting additional pressure on household incomes, while businesses, schools and workplaces struggle to maintain normal activities.
Some residents have also blamed poor drainage and prolonged road construction for worsening the flooding, urging authorities to accelerate road and drainage works and provide immediate relief to affected communities.
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