Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, has urged the federal government to declare his senatorial zone an ecological disaster zone due to severe erosion and flooding. The call comes after torrential rainfall caused devastating floods and erosion in parts of Awka, the capital city of Anambra State. The disaster has resulted in the loss of life and displacement of residents.
The recent floods and erosion in Awka have led to the drowning of a six-year-old schoolboy, David-Chyddy Eleke, and the collapse of several houses into erosion gullies. Senator Umeh visited the family of the deceased boy and the affected areas, expressing sadness over the situation. He emphasized that all local governments in his senatorial district are experiencing flood and erosion devastation.
Umeh stressed that the situation requires immediate attention from the government, with remedial action needed to halt the spread of erosion. He suggested that declaring his senatorial district an ecological disaster zone would enable the federal government to treat the situation as an emergency. This, he believes, would facilitate swift intervention and relief efforts.
The senator also mentioned that his motion on the Idemili North and South axis is pending before the Senate. He plans to update the motion to include the recent incidents in Awka, highlighting the need for federal government intervention. Umeh emphasized that the residents can no longer address the issue on their own and require external help.
One of the victims, retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, AIG Celestine Okoye, expressed fear and called for assistance. The situation has left many residents living in fear of further devastation. Senator Umeh's visit to the affected areas and his calls for federal intervention underscore the severity of the situation.
During his visit, Senator Umeh consoled the family of the six-year-old boy who lost his life in the flood disaster. The family, Mr. and Mrs. Ezenwafor, were offered words of comfort by the senator. The incident has highlighted the need for urgent action to address the erosion and flood menace in Anambra Central Senatorial District.
The ecological disaster zone declaration would enable the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to provide emergency assistance. Senator Umeh's efforts aim to draw attention to the plight of his constituents and secure necessary support to mitigate the effects of erosion and flooding in the area.
Key points
- Senator Victor Umeh urges federal government to declare Anambra Central Senatorial District an ecological disaster zone due to severe erosion and flooding.
- Recent floods and erosion in Awka have resulted in the loss of a six-year-old boy's life and displacement of residents.
- Senator Umeh's motion on the Idemili North and South axis is pending before the Senate and will be updated to include recent incidents in Awka.
