Days after torrential rainfall submerged homes, businesses, and major roads across parts of Uyo, environmental advocates are calling for urgent and coordinated action to address the underlying causes of urban flooding before more communities are affected.
The flooding, triggered by hours of heavy rainfall, displaced families, disrupted economic activities, damaged property, and left many residents struggling to recover from yet another seasonal disaster. The incident also renewed concerns over the city’s drainage infrastructure, waste management practices, and preparedness for increasingly intense rainfall.
Reacting to the incident, the Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) urged governments, communities, and relevant stakeholders to move beyond emergency responses and prioritise long-term environmental management, stronger urban planning, and climate resilience.
According to the organisation, recurring floods in Uyo are no longer isolated incidents but a warning that environmental challenges require more proactive and sustainable solutions.
CHRAN called for stricter enforcement of environmental regulations, improved drainage maintenance, responsible waste disposal, and greater public awareness on practices that contribute to flooding, particularly the indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainage channels.
The organisation also urged residents to play a more active role in protecting their environment, noting that while government investment in drainage infrastructure remains critical, community participation is equally important in reducing flood risks.
It stressed that preventing future disasters will require stronger collaboration between government agencies, civil society organisations, environmental experts, and local communities to ensure that drainage systems remain functional and urban development does not obstruct natural waterways.
The appeal comes as authorities continue to assess the impact of the flooding while implementing emergency measures in affected communities. Governor Umo Eno has also directed immediate interventions, including drainage clearance and inspections of affected areas, while promising longer-term solutions to address the city’s recurring flood challenges.
Environmental experts say that as climate change contributes to more intense rainfall events, cities like Uyo must strengthen flood prevention measures through improved urban planning, better waste management, and investments in resilient infrastructure if future disasters are to be minimised.
More Stories