The Anambra State government has activated 27 Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in anticipation of impending floods as the River Niger’s water level continues to rise, putting several communities at risk.
Seven local government areas (LGAs) have been identified as vulnerable to severe flooding this year.
These include Ayamelum, Anambra East, Anambra West, Ogbaru, Ekwusigo, Ihiala, and Awka North.
In response to the escalating situation, some markets in Onitsha, a key commercial hub in the state, are already feeling the impact of the rising river levels.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo, speaking on the state’s preparedness, emphasized the government’s proactive measures to mitigate the impact of the expected floods.
He disclosed that Anambra is working closely with the federal government to address the looming crisis.
“We are dealing with our environment and we have just received all manner of warnings,” Soludo stated.
“We have been preparing to deal with the expected massive flooding, and Anambra State is usually expected to be one of those to be most badly affected.”
Recalling the devastating floods of two years ago, which submerged eight LGAs, Soludo noted the extensive damage caused, including the destruction of goods, property, and assets worth hundreds of billions of naira, displacing hundreds of thousands of residents.
“We are getting ready for that,” the governor continued. “This year, we have been warned, so we are preparing, and it is going to cost the state a humongous amount of money.
We are gathering resources and getting ready.”
The governor revealed that the federal government has sent 24,000 bags of rice to support the state’s emergency preparedness.
“We were keeping [the rice] for this particular major emergency that is expected to happen any moment from now, and we are distributing it to the wards and the eight local government areas at seventy bags per ward.”
Additionally, Soludo mentioned that the state government is mobilizing its resources, which would require billions of naira to fully implement their response plan.
Meanwhile, residents of communities in the riverine areas are already evacuating to safer grounds.
The Traditional Ruler of Omor Community in Ayamelum LGA, Igwe Chidume Oranu, confirmed that affected residents are relocating with essential belongings to the uplands.
“We are taking steps to advise our people living at the farm settlements in the flood-prone areas to vacate the area and go to the upland immediately,” Igwe Oranu said.
“We have also advised our people to begin now to harvest their crops in good time to avert being caught napping.”
