Rivers State Government Alerts Residents of Imminent Flood, Warns Against Land Reclamation

As a way of cushioning the effect of imminent flood already forecasted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), the Rivers State Government says it has taken necessary measures to safeguard the State and target communities against the imminent flood.

NiMet had in its flash flood alert for July 2025 identified Rivers State as one of the high-risk areas for flooding this year.

The State Government on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 via a statement by its Senior Special Adviser on Media, Hector Igbikiowubo, informed that NiMet, as part of its emergency response mechanism, is deploying a team to sensitize residents at high-risk regions to prepare for the flood.

As a show of concern, the State Government, therefore, enjoined all residents in flood-prone areas to take caution and protect themselves.

Furthermore, the State Government has issued a strong warning against illegal land reclamation, asserting that it heightens flood risks, alongside the effects of environmental degradation, disrupting natural drainage systems.

The Government has said that it will be intolerant to such activities as legal actions will be meted out to individuals and organisations found culpable.

The Government further advised residents to clean up their drainages, seeks ways for migration and cooperate with flood response officials while reporting any unscrupulous activities of environmental violation. The Rivers State Government has assured residents of safety, urging everyone to take proactive measures to mitigate the impact of potential flooding and keep up with environmental regulations.