The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) alongside the Local Emergency Management Committee, has carried out sensitisation campaigns to flood-prone communities in Anambra State to prepare them for impending flooding in the State.
The sensitisation was necessitated following the 2020 flood predictions by Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency (NIHSA) and the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET), as the State had been listed among states of the federation to witness flooding menace. The exercise was carried out in Ayamelum, Anambra East and West, Onitsha North and South, Ihiala, Ogbaru and Awka North Council Areas.
Paul Odenigbo (Chief), Executive Secretary of SEMA, represented by a Director in the Agency, Mr. Chukwudi Onyejekwu, urged members of communities living along river banks in the state to get ready to move into designated holding Centres. He cautioned the people to desist from acts that could lead to blocking of water channels, building on flood channels and dumping of refuse in drainages.
He noted that flooding could submerge land that was usually dry, when rivers overflow their banks. adding that it could become disastrous, if its channels are blocked and stressed that the adverse effects of flooding in previous years is the reason SEMA is doing all it can to ensure that communities affected by flooding in the State are prepared ahead of any eventuality.
Odenigbo expressed his gratitude to the State Government for its support to the agency through early provision of holding centres at the different LGAs, and equipping them to ensure safety of dwellers.
Mr. Nnamdi Esimia, who is the Coordinator Local Emergency Management Committee, noted that they moved within communities to ensure that emergency cases were attended promptly by reporting to state and federal agencies for rescue.
He stated that the committee engaged in different activities such as, sharing of fliers during town hall meetings, markets and motor parks as a way of educating the rural dwellers on appropriate response.
Residents of Anambra East and West LGAs appealed to government to always provide inputs to farmers early enough to enable them to plant and harvest before the coming of the floodwaters.
Signed by
Asika Ikemefuna
ACEO (Information)/ Head of Centre,
FIRC, Awka
