By Folarin Kehinde
The Federal Ministry of Environment has blamed blocked manholes and underground drainage channels for worsening the flash flood that occurred at Blantyre Crescent, Adetokunbo Ademola, Wuse II, Abuja, on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
The ministry said silt, solid waste and debris found in several manholes and drainage inlets had restricted the flow of stormwater, causing the drainage system to surcharge during the heavy rainfall.
This was contained in a technical report prepared by the Department of Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management following an on-the-spot assessment of the area on Monday, August 17.
The inspection was carried out by a technical team led by the Director of the department, Usman Abdullahi Bokani, following a directive from the Minister of Environment.
