The Anambra State Government has issued a warning to residents to be prepared for heavy rainfall and possible flooding in several areas of the state.
The warning was issued by the Commissioner for Information, Paul Nwosu, who cited predictions by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and the Nigerian Hydrological Service Agency, News About Nigeria Reports.
The agencies have predicted high rainfall across the country and the possibility of flooding in several areas, including Ogbaru, Ayamelum, Anambra East, Anambra West, Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Awka North, Idemili South, Ekwusigo, and Ihiala LGAs.
Nwosu urged residents to keep a family disaster kit with essentials such as food, water, medications, touch lights, and blankets that will last a family a few days in the event of a flood.
Mr Nwosu said, “The 2023 seasonal rainfall prediction and annual flood outlook by Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and Nigerian Hydrological Service Agency (NIHSA) have shown that there will be high rainfall across the country and flood this year.
“The high flood risk areas in Anambra State that could be flood hit include Ogbaru, Ayamelum, Anambra East, Anambra west, Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Awka North, Idemili South, Ekwusigo and Ihiala LGA
“The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has issued the following flood mitigation measures: Make concrete plans for timely harvesting and evacuation of your farm produce and livestock to avoid losses. Do not wait until the flood comes to harvest.
”Make concrete plans to secure your household properties and essential belongings as much as possible before the flood actually sets in.
“Plan ahead to get your family as well as the aged, the sick, pregnant women, infants and children evacuated well on time to safety nets (IDP camps provided by the ANSG Government ) to avoid preventable loss of lives. Timely evacuation is key.
“De-silting of water channels should be done continuously as a huge amount of silt is deposited in water channels after rainfall; people should stop constructing in water plains and across water channels.
“Clear gutters and drainages: do not dispose of your trash in gutters or drainage; move to higher ground before the flood becomes neck deep. If cut off from a designated point, climb and stay on a tree or high platform.
“Keep a family disaster kit. A disaster kit is an assemblage of basic essentials (food, water, medications, touch lights, blankets, etc.) that will last a family a few days in the event of a flood.”
Continuing, Nwosu warned, “It is dangerous to wade or swim in flood waters due to submerged logs, stones and the presence of dangerous reptiles.
“Children should not attempt to recover any of their toys or belongings which perchance have fallen into the flood for it can drown them in the process.
”Do not drive in the flood because you can float and be carried away. Step out immediately and search for higher ground.
”Never play in flood. Do not drink or eat any food contaminated by flood water.
“Before the onset of the flood, deploy sandbags around buildings for flood defence.
”Avoid wet electrical equipment during flooding. Put off all electrical appliances to avoid electrocution.”
The Anambra State Government called on residents to take these measures seriously and to call 112 for more inquiries. With these precautions in place, it is hoped that the effect of the looming flooding can be mitigated.
Last year, Anambra State was one of the states in Nigeria that battled massive flooding, with over 300 communities in six local government areas submerged underwater for several weeks. Residents of the affected areas were relocated to various internally displaced person camps across the state.
The government hopes that this year’s predictions will not result in a repeat of last year’s devastation, and residents are urged to take the necessary precautions to avoid loss of life and property.
