Flood: Anambra govt urges people living in riverine areas to relocate

The Anambra State Government has urged people living in flood-prone areas of the state to relocate immediately to approved Internally Displaced Persons (IDP), Centres provided across the state.

A release by the Anambra State Government signed by the Executive Secretary, Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr Paul Odenigbo said the appeal became necessary in view of raging flood already threatening lives and property of people living in coastal areas of the state.

He said the decision was arrived at after a meeting with Ministries, Institutions and Agencies involved in flood and emergency matters, chaired by Deputy Governor, Dr Nkem Okeke at the Government House, Awka.

He assured that government had since made contingency plans for 28 of such centres across the state.

He warned residents of the affected areas not to disregard the forecast on flooding by relevant agencies, saying, “People living in towns and communities within the three local government areas of Ayamelum, Anambra East and Ogbaru should move to IDP centres immediately to avoid impending devastations.

“Let us minimise our losses as homes and farmlands are already submerged under flooding, that has already overrun some communities.’’

While reiterating the commitment of Government to assist the IDP’s, he assured of adequate welfare packages for the affected persons in the centres already provided.

“Already, government has made arrangements for them to be evacuated and camped in some designated centres within the various council areas.

“Residents of the affected areas are advised to move into them immediately,’’ he said.

Odenigbo said the Emergency Management Agency and their state counterparts, SEMA have been alerted for prompt response to rescue people that might be trapped in affected areas.

“The security agencies and other stakeholders have been also been notified to be battle ready to assist in the evacuation of people from dangers.’’