Anambra State First Lady, Dr. Nonye Soludo, has called on residents of the state to take greater precautionary measures as flooding continues to affect some communities. In a statement released in Awka on Wednesday, Dr. Soludo expressed concern over the rising flood situation and its potential impact on families, particularly residents living in flood-prone areas. She advised everyone to remain vigilant and pay attention to weather and flood warnings.
Dr. Soludo also advised residents to avoid crossing flooded roads and waterways and relocate to safer areas whenever their homes or immediate surroundings become unsafe. She emphasized the need for residents to maintain clean surroundings and desist from dumping refuse into drainage channels, as blocked waterways can worsen flooding and pose serious risks to lives and property.
The Anambra State First Lady urged parents and guardians to keep children away from floodwaters, drainage channels, streams, and other potentially dangerous areas during periods of heavy rainfall. She stressed the need for increased community awareness and collective responsibility, adding that early action and responsible environmental practices can help reduce the risks associated with flooding.
Dr. Soludo encouraged residents to promptly report emergencies and other situations requiring urgent intervention to the appropriate authorities. She also urged communities to look out for one another and respond quickly whenever floodwaters begin to rise. The Anambra State First Lady reiterated that preparedness, vigilance, and responsible environmental practices remain essential to protecting lives and reducing the impact of flooding across the state.
The Anambra State government has assured residents that it will continue to do whatever is necessary to cushion the toll of the natural disaster on affected families and communities. Recall that two days of torrential rainfall across the state on Monday and Tuesday led to flooding and gully erosion, dealing devastating havoc in several communities, submerging many houses, roads, schools, farmlands, and markets.
The flooding caused several drainages, water channels, and canals to spill out and submerge roads. An unidentified schoolchild was declared missing, while seven other schoolchildren and two adults were rescued when the ravaging flood overturned a shuttle bus along the Nibo–Isiagu Road, Awka. The Anambra State Police Command has activated sustained search and rescue operations in the affected area.
The Spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed that the victims were rescued through the police “Safe School Operatives,” in collaboration with concerned members of the community. The search operation is being conducted in collaboration with community members and relevant stakeholders and will continue until the remaining persons are located and accounted for.
Key points
- Dr. Nonye Soludo urges residents to take precautionary measures against flooding in Anambra State.
- The Anambra State government assures residents of its commitment to cushioning the impact of the natural disaster.
- A schoolchild remains missing after a flood incident in Awka, Anambra State.
