The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has advised residents in Anambra, particularly parents and motorists, to prioritize safety when traveling during rainfall, especially in flood-prone areas. NEMA's Head of Operations in Enugu Zonal Office, Priscilla Madukwe, gave the advice during an assessment of flood incidents and rising water levels in parts of Anambra. She described a recent incident where school children were trapped inside a bus in a flooded road as heartbreaking.
Mrs. Madukwe urged parents and motorists to allow floodwaters to recede before taking children to school or embarking on journeys in affected areas. She also advised residents of riverine communities to remain vigilant as water levels at the Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority base on the River Niger in Onitsha continued to rise. According to her, residents in affected areas should remain prepared to relocate to higher ground whenever necessary.
The NEMA team, accompanied by officials of the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency, visited the Ogbaru Local Government Area headquarters in Atani. There, Mrs. Madukwe inspected designated holding camps and other flood-prone locations. This visit was part of efforts to assess the situation and provide support to affected communities.
Meanwhile, Nnamdi Esmai, coordinator of the Anambra State Local Emergency Management Committee, said some farmers had begun harvesting their crops as rising floodwaters continued to submerge farmlands. He appealed to the federal and Anambra governments to make adequate arrangements for the evacuation of residents whenever they were directed to move to safer locations.
Anambra First Lady, Nonye Soludo, has expressed concern over the rising flood situation and its potential impact on families, particularly those living in vulnerable communities. In a statement issued in Awka, she urged residents in flood-prone communities to relocate to safer areas and take necessary precautions as flooding persists across the state.
Mrs. Soludo emphasized the importance of community awareness and collective responsibility in reducing the impact of flooding. She encouraged residents to promptly report emergencies to relevant authorities and urged communities to look out for one another and respond quickly whenever floodwaters started to rise. She also called for increased vigilance and responsible environmental practices.
The Anambra State government has assured that it would continue to take necessary measures to cushion the effects of the disaster on affected families and communities. Mrs. Soludo reaffirmed the importance of preparedness and vigilance in protecting lives. Residents are advised to heed weather and flood warnings, avoid crossing flooded roads and waterways, and move to safer locations whenever their homes or surroundings become unsafe.
Key points
- NEMA advises residents to prioritize safety during rainfall in flood-prone areas
- Anambra First Lady urges residents to relocate to safer areas
- Flooding persists in Anambra, posing risks to lives and property
