The Anambra State government has initiated the immediate evacuation of residents in riverine communities due to rising water levels in the River Niger and Benue, which have caused widespread flooding over the past few days.
Communities already affected include Ogbaru, Anambra West, and Ayamelum local government areas. During a visit to the Atani community in Ogbaru LG on Friday, it was observed that the flood had brought all activities to a halt.
Paul Odenigbo, the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, announced the evacuation efforts while speaking to journalists in Awka, the state capital, on Friday. He noted that the floods began impacting the communities on Wednesday.
As an emergency response, the state government has provided necessary support to relocate residents to safer areas and mitigate the worsening effects of the floods as the rainfall continues. Odenigbo mentioned that plans have been finalized to use boats to evacuate over 3,000 residents willing to move to higher ground.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo has ensured that essential items, such as blankets, mattresses, buckets, and cartons of soap and detergents, are available for those in various holding camps. The camps are well-prepared with conveniences, water supply, and other logistics provided by the government.
Odenigbo urged the public to heed warnings from relevant agencies and pack essential items like certificates, documents, and medications for their stay in the camps. The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency issued a fresh alert on Thursday, urging communities along coastal lines to relocate without delay.
