Owing to repeated warnings to residents along riversides and flood-prone areas, the wife of Governor Soludo of Anambra State, Nonye has advised those living in those communities to move to higher grounds without wasting further time as a result of national predictions that flood is coming.
Mrs Soludo disclosed this in Awka where she explained that the recent emergency notices released by both the federal and state governments, provide enough opportunity for the affected persons to take pro-active steps in order to reduce what could have been the effect of the flooding.
She also disclosed that the state government had already started preparations ahead of the natural disaster to contain it. Mrs Soludo said this would include collaborations with all the three levels of government and partners outside Nigeria.
“We are going to prioritizing the safety of women, children and the elderly, with particular attention on containing any health, economic or social emergencies that could arise as a result of the flood.
“Waiting for the flood to happen before finding safety is risky and that is why we are asking those residing in flood-prone communities in Anambra State to prepare to move to the upland, or designated holding facilities.
“We urge community leaders, churches and well-meaning individuals, to give assistance to those who would need them at this time of emergency.
“We also promise that our Non-Governmental Organization, Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative, will as well assess areas of needs to help those who may get affected by the surge.
Recall that the federal government had through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), recently identified thirty one States including Anambra as States with high-risk areas for major flood impacts in 2024.
Anambra State government to this end, had also advised affected Council Areas to be pro-active for the anticipated emergency by, without further delay, making moves upland or designated holding camps made available by the government.
Ogbaru; Ihiala; Anambra East; Anambra West; Ayamelum; Awka North; Onitsha North; Onitsha South; Ekwusigo and Idemili North are among the flood-prone areas mentioned in Anambra State.
