The Executive Secretary, Anambra State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, Chief Paul Odenigbo, has urged people living in riverine parts of the state to be prepared to quickly relocate in order to beat the devastating effect of flooding.
Odenigbo gave the warning during an interactive sensitization meeting for Ayamelum and Awka North Local Government Areas held in Umumbo, Ayamelum local government area on Tuesday.
Addressing the people of the two local Government areas, Odenigbo represented by the Executive Assistant to Governor Willie Obiano on State Emergency Management Agency and Media, Mr. Emeka Obinwa, maintained that “This message is not to cause panic among you, but to prepare you against being caught unawares as flood which is a natural phenomenon which can come unexpectedly.”
Odenigbo, who listed the established holding centres in both local government areas, said, “government will cater for you while the flood lasts. Both in meeting and decent accommodation, we have equipped the holden centres around you.”
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Fire Safety and Utilities, Mr. Anthony Achebe noted that women and children are most vulnerable in such situation hence the need for them to join in the sensitization.
In a remark, the traditional ruler of Amanuke, Igwe Alphonsus Ezebuilo commended the government for the sensitization visit but made a strong case for the dredging of River Niger to reduce the devastating effect of the flood on the people and their economy.
The Nigeria Meteorological Agency had predicted imminent flood disaster in some states including Anambra, warning people living in riverine areas of the affected states to get ready to relocate to established centres immediately they notice a rise in water level within their communities.
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