Anambra advises residents in flood prone areas to relocate
The Anambra State Government has issued a warning to residents in flood-prone local government areas and communities to promptly evacuate their crops, poultry, fish ponds, and domestic animals to safer locations to avoid being caught off guard by impending floods.
This alert comes in anticipation of flooding due to rising water levels in the River Niger, caused by the release of water from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon and upstream activities from Niger Republic and Mali.
On Saturday, the state Commissioner for Information, Paul Nwosu, communicated this advice in a video circulating on various social media platforms.
Nwosu identified ten of the 21 local government areas in the state as particularly at risk of flooding. These areas include Ogbaru, Ayamelum, Anambra East, Anambra West, Onitsha South, Onitsha North, Awka North, Idemili South, Ekwusigo, and Ihiala.
This guidance follows persistent heavy rainfall and several flood warnings issued by the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency and the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency.
Nwosu highlighted that the internally displaced persons (IDP) camps established by the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, remain operational. He urged residents to relocate the elderly, women, and children to these camps without delay.
He stated, “The IDP camps set up by the state governor are still active. We encourage residents to move the elderly, women, and children to these camps as soon as possible. We also advise them to contact their local government emergency management committee for assistance if needed. We hope that no lives will be lost to flooding this year.”
The Anambra State Flood Response Committee, chaired by Deputy Governor Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim and in collaboration with SEMA, will issue further advisories to communities at risk.
Local government chairmen and community leaders have been urged to adhere to upcoming life-saving directives.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that residents of riverine communities and areas along the River Niger are already beginning to evacuate due to the rising water levels. Igwe Chidume Orenu, the traditional ruler of Omor Community in Ayamelum Local Government Area, advised, “We are urging those in flood-prone farming areas to move to higher ground immediately and start harvesting their crops to prevent any unforeseen circumstances.”
In Ogbaru Local Government Area, near the River Niger, resident Nkechi Eche said, “We have been warned about the upcoming flood and noticed the rising water levels. Many of us, being farmers, have started harvesting crops and relocating our poultry and livestock to avoid losses. Some are also moving their belongings and families to safer locations to prevent a repeat of the 2022 flooding, which submerged many homes for months.”
Additionally, Umar Mohammed, Director General of the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency, stated on Friday that floodwaters from upstream countries are advancing towards Nigeria, starting with Kebbi State. He attributed the flooding risk to activities in Niger Republic and Mali and warned that the situation is expected to peak by the end of August and into September.
