Anambra State Gov. Warns Residents Of Heavy Rainfall & Massive Flooding

Anambra State Government Warns Residents Of Heavy Rainfall & Massive Flooding…. Residents Advised to Take Precautionary Measures

The Anambra State Government has alerted residents of the state to brace for heavy rainfall and possible flooding this year. In a statement released on Friday by the Commissioner for Information, Paul Nwosu, the state government urged residents to take necessary precautionary measures to mitigate the potential impact of the looming floods.

The Commissioner listed high-risk communities, including Ogbaru, Ayamelum, Anambra East, Anambra West, Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Awka North, Idemili South, Ekwusigo, and Ihiala local government areas, as the areas most likely to be affected.

Last year, Anambra was one of the states in Nigeria that battled massive flooding. Over 300 communities in six local government areas were submerged for several weeks, and residents were forced to relocate to various internally displaced persons’ camps across the state.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency and Nigerian Hydrological Service Agency had predicted high rainfall across the country and possible flooding in 2023. As such, the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency has issued several flood mitigation measures.

Residents were advised to make concrete plans for timely harvesting and evacuation of their farm produce and livestock to avoid losses. They were also urged to secure their household properties and essential belongings before the flood sets in, and to plan ahead to get their families and vulnerable persons like the aged, sick, pregnant women, infants, and children evacuated to safety nets (IDP camps provided by the ANSG) on time to prevent loss of life.

Furthermore, the government urged residents to avoid wading or swimming in floodwaters as submerged logs, stones, and dangerous reptiles might be lurking beneath the surface.

Other measures advised by the state government include de-silting water channels, avoiding the construction of buildings in water plains or across water channels, clearing gutters and drainages, not disposing of thrash in gutters or drainage, and moving to higher ground before the flood becomes neck-deep. If cut off from a designated point, residents were advised to climb and stay on a tree or high platform.

As the rainy season progresses, residents of Anambra State are advised to adhere to the government’s guidelines to avoid being caught off-guard by possible flooding.