Thousands of residents of Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, have been thrown into hardship after a heavy overnight downpour on Thursday, July 9, 2026, triggered severe flooding across the city.
The flood submerged thousands of homes, shops, roads and other public infrastructure, leaving many families stranded and counting huge losses.
The heavy rainfall lasted for several hours during the night, forcing residents to flee their homes while traders watched goods worth millions of naira destroyed by floodwaters.
Several major roads became impassable, leaving commuters stranded until Friday morning and disrupting economic activities across the capital.
The worst-hit areas included IBB Avenue, Atiku Abubakar Avenue, Abak Road by Mechanic Village, Udo Ette, Ikpa Lane, Idak Okpo Road, Abak Road by Anua Street, Green Park Avenue, Oron Road by Uruan Street, Urua Ekpa, Nkemba Street, the University of Uyo Annex Campus, Uko Eshiet Street, Ebong Essien Road by Nelson Mandela, Custom Road, Liberty Avenue, Aka Road, Afaha Ube, Akpan Etuk Street, Aka Etinan Road, Willing to Bassey Way, Aka Itiam Street, Nung Ukot Itam, Nsikak Eduok Avenue and Udo Umana Street.
Communities in Abak Local Government Area were also affected as overflowing streams and blocked drainage channels inundated homes, farms and business premises.
Residents attributed the flooding to prolonged rainfall, poor sanitation, indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drainage channels, construction on flood-prone areas, weak enforcement of sanitation laws, poor urban planning and the effects of climate change.
The flood destroyed household property, business premises and other socio-economic assets. Many families were forced to abandon their homes temporarily.
Business activities slowed significantly as flooded markets and streets kept customers away, resulting in heavy losses for traders and other business owners.
Traffic was disrupted across several parts of the city as floodwaters blocked major roads, making it difficult for workers, students and emergency responders to reach their destinations.
Residents also expressed concern over the possible outbreak of water-borne diseases and rising insecurity in flooded neighbourhoods.
They called on the Akwa Ibom State Government to improve drainage infrastructure, enforce environmental sanitation laws, prevent illegal construction on floodplains and provide relief materials for victims affected by the disaster.
