The wife of Anambra State Governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo, informed women and children in Riverine Communities of Anambra state, South-Eastern Nigeria, to be proactive to avert imminent flooding.
She urged people living in flood prone area of the state to move to holding centres equipped by the state government in their localities, following the prediction of flooding by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMET.
Mrs Soludo who disclosed this in Awka, the state capital, affirmed that the recent emergency notices released by both the federal and state governments, provide ample time to plan in order to minimize the ravages that could come with the natural disaster.
The governor’s wife also disclosed that the state government has already started making containment plans ahead of the incident, including engaging in collaborations with the federal government, local authorities, and global partners.
She added that the state is prioritizing the safety of women, children, and the aged, with particular attention on containing any health, economic, or social emergencies that could arise as a result of the flood.
While, she implores riverine communities to prepare to move to the upland or designated holding facilities. Mrs Soludo said that waiting for the flood to happen before finding safety could be too risky.
She also urged leaderships of communities, churches, and well-meaning individuals to give assistance to those who would need them at this time.
The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Meteorological Agency NiMET, recently raised emergency alert to some states, including Anambra State, to prepare for flooding, as Cameroon was set to open Lagdo Dam.
The Lagdo Dam is located on the Benue River In the Niger Basin. The Cameroonian authorities commenced the release of water from Lagdo Dam by 10.10 am. on August 14, 2023. This was communicated to the DG of NIHSA on August 23, 2023, by the Cameroonian hydrologist in charge of the dam.
Shakirat Sadiq
