Odita Sunday 
By Odita Sunday
Heavy flooding triggered by persistent rainfall has crippled operations at the Delta Broadcasting Service (DBS) in Asaba, forcing both its radio and television stations off the air as rising waters inundated the premises and cut off access to the facility.
The flooding, reportedly worsened by inadequate drainage, submerged the state-owned broadcast station on Thursday, preventing journalists and other workers from reaching their offices.
The incident has also sparked fears that expensive broadcasting equipment may have been damaged by the floodwaters.
Eyewitnesses said a few staff members who attempted to gain access to the station were forced to turn back after the floodwaters overwhelmed the entrance, while vehicles were unable to enter the premises.
Beyond disrupting operations, concerns are mounting over the possible impact of the flooding on the structural integrity of the buildings, although there were no reports of casualties as of the time of filing this report.
Despite significant investments by the Delta State Government in drainage infrastructure across Asaba over the years, residents say flooding remains a recurring challenge in parts of the state capital, especially during periods of heavy rainfall.
As of press time, the Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, had not issued an official statement on the incident. The management of the Delta Broadcasting Service had also yet to publicly comment on the extent of the damage or when normal transmission would resume.
The development has left the state’s public broadcaster temporarily silent, with both its radio and television services remaining off the air while the situation is being assessed.
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