The Anambra State Government has intensified efforts to mitigate the impact of anticipated flooding in 2026, by convening a stakeholders’ sensitisation and preparedness meeting.
This aims to strengthen emergency response across vulnerable communities.
The meeting, chaired by the Deputy Governor and Chairman of the State Flood Response Committee, Dr OnyekaChukwu Ibezim, brought together officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), security agencies and chairpersons of flood-prone local government areas.
Ibezim stressed the importance of early preparedness, public awareness and inter-agency collaboration in reducing flood-related risks, particularly in riverine communities, reaffirming the state’s commitment to protecting lives and property through proactive measures.
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He commended local government councils for their preparedness efforts and urged them to sustain awareness campaigns while encouraging residents to heed early warning signals and cooperate with authorities during possible evacuation exercises.
The meeting focused on flood-prone areas, including Ogbaru, Ayamelum, Anambra East, Anambra West, Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Awka North, Ihiala and Idemili South, among other communities identified as vulnerable by emergency management agencies.
During the interactive session, representatives of the affected local government areas outlined measures already taken to prepare for possible flooding and requested additional support, including solar-powered streetlights at designated holding camps and the timely distribution of relief materials, especially food items, to affected residents.
Officials of NEMA reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the state’s flood preparedness programme, while security agencies pledged readiness to assist with public sensitisation, evacuation operations and emergency response efforts throughout the flood season.
Stakeholders also called for the establishment of permanent and coordinated emergency response structures that can be activated promptly during flooding incidents.
The meeting ended with renewed commitments from participating agencies and councils to work together to protect lives and property across Anambra State.
