Water, an inorganic, transparent, tasteless, odorless, and nearly colorless chemical substance, is the main constituent of the Earth and is vital for all known forms of life.

But as important as water is, it is the very best served in a cup as its overflow, better known as flood, could be disastrous, leading to loss of human life, damage to property, destruction of crops, loss of livestock, and decline in health conditions owing to waterborne diseases.

To mitigate its effects, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) at the beginning of the year, predicted that 28 states and the FCT to be flood-prone and likely to experience more devastating floods from the end of August to early October.

The agency’s prediction, in its Annual Flood Outlook publication for 2021, warned Nigerians, particularly those living in the coastal and riverine areas, including cities and communities to take steps and prepare for the flooding that was to come.

How prepared was Akwa Ibom state to contend with the impending 2021 disaster in the areas of sensitization and awareness campaigns as well as clearance of drains and waterways?

Correspondent DIANIME UKO in this special report considers the devastating impacts of flooding on the livelihood of Akwa Ibom citizens.