Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Residents of Ogbaru Local Government Area and other flood-prone areas in Anambra State have been told to prepare to relocate to higher grounds to avert effects of 2023 impending flood.
The Executive Secretary, Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Paul Odenigbo, gave the advice while interacting with community stakeholders and religious organisations at the council’s headquarters at Atani, ahead of the predicted 2023 deluge.
During the interaction, SEMA sensitised the people, especially youths on the need to care for the elderly, the physically challenged, the sick and pregnant women among others to ensure that no one is left out.
Addressing the Assembly, Odenigbo who unveiled the recent report from NIMET, said that the 2023 flood will be heavier and more devastating and as such it becomes important for government to create awareness and enlighten the people and roll out plans to cushion the effects.
He listed catchment pits, clearing of drainage, harvesting of farm produce before flooding and healthy living as major steps to take to ensure that the effects of the flooding will not be as bad as previous years.
The SEMA Boss revealed that the state government is on top of its responsibilities in ensuring that the holding centers are well repositioned and habitable.
Speaking also, South-East Zonal Coordinator of NEMA, Mrs. Ngozi Echeazu, said it has become expedient for members of riverine communities to start the preparation of evacuation to higher grounds as consistent rainfall would increase the water levels of different rivers across the state.
Meanwhile, Igwe Ikechukwu Nwafili of Akili-Ogidi, appreciated the agencies for alerting them and assured that communities in Ogbaru Council Area will engage all necessary measures to ensure that the message gets to the grassroots.
