By Samuel Oyadongha

YENAGOA— FEAR has gripped the people of Bayelsa State, following the early heavy rainfall experienced across the state in the last couple of days, which had left some areas flooded and billboards destroyed.

Nigeria Meteorological Agency, NIMET, had predicted heavy rain this year higher than that of last year, which rendered thousands of families homeless in some states of the federation, including Bayelsa State.

It was observed that the recent rainfall accompanied by strong wind had damaged several billboards in Yenagoa and caused pools of water in some areas fuelling fear among residents of difficult days ahead.

Also the situation was not different at Okoloba, Sabagreia in Kolokuma-Opokuma Local Government Area of the state which was penultimate Saturday rocked by a devastating landslide, which buried eight buildings.

Some of the natives staying close to the bank of the Nun River, it was learnt during such rainfall were forced to leave their homes to take refuge upland due to the recent landslide. “We are now at the mercy of the elements. The heavy rainfall being experienced in the last  four days is definitely a pointer to tough times ahead. The state government should commence planning on how best to mitigate the anticipated deluge and its consequences,” Mr John Nengi, a concerned resident told Vanguard.

Meanwhile, Governor Seriake Dickson last week met with the leaders and members of relevant committees, including Post Flood Management Committee and Infrastructure Advisory Committee set up in the aftermath of last year flood with a view to stemming a repeat of the near humanitarian crisis that rocked the state.