The Rivers State House of Assembly has called for urgent government intervention to address flooding that has displaced residents and damaged property in parts of the state.

The Speaker, Mr Martin Chike Amaewhule, made the call after lawmakers inspected flood-affected areas in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas.

The inspection followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by the Deputy Majority Leader, Mrs Linda Somiari-Stewart, during the Assembly’s 55th legislative sitting of the fourth session on Tuesday.

Stewart urged the House to intervene, citing the destruction of property and livelihoods and the dangers posed by poisonous reptiles reportedly occupying submerged homes.

She called on lawmakers to visit affected communities to assess the severity of the flooding and the challenges facing residents.

Amaewhule expressed sympathy with affected residents and urged lawmakers to assess the situation in their constituencies and provide assistance where possible.

Speaking with journalists after the inspection, the Speaker said the exercise followed the adopted motion and distress calls from constituents across the state.

“As an Assembly, we deemed it necessary to move around the streets of Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt to see things for ourselves.

“What we have seen clearly shows that flooding requires urgent attention,” he said.

Amaewhule said many families had been displaced, while flooding had rendered several roads inaccessible, describing the situation as a major concern.

He attributed some of the flooding to blocked canals and neglected drainage channels, while acknowledging that natural water flow contributed to flooding in other locations.

The Speaker urged agencies responsible for clearing drainage channels to discharge their duties to prevent avoidable flooding.

He expressed optimism that the state government would take necessary measures to address the situation and protect lives and property.