SEMA warns Anambra Flood Prone Communities To Prepare For Flood
By Chinyere Nwoye
The Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has alerted flood prone communities in the state on this year's impending flood.
The Executive Secretary, SEMA, Paul Odenigbo reeled out the warning during an interactive sensitization meeting to address impending flood in the state.
The event tagged "Make We Stop Flood Before Flood E Go Finish Us” sensitized the people on the dangers of irregular waste disposal and the importance of regular clearing of water channels.
Speaking at the various LGAs visited, Chief Odenigbo said, ''the visit is a collaborative movement to mitigate and avert losses of life and property through adequate coordination and to issue early warning.
"The February 17 Annual Flood Outlook for the year by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) is the foundation for their planning.
" It is high time riverine communities embarked on annual care of their farms through early planting and harvesting, caring for their environment, building on government approved areas, relocation of valuable properties and ensuring good health condition before, during and after the rainy season".
He advised all relevant frontline responders to intensify their efforts to carry out early warnings targeting vulnerable communities and evacuation to higher grounds for safety.
The Transition Committee Chairmen, Anambra West, Mr. Felix Okechi and his Anambra East counterpart, Dr. Anselm Onuorah reminded the gathering of the suffering some residents of the state went through during flooding which included loss of life and property as well as farm produce.
They promised to carry out the campaign for early preparation to all the nooks and crannies of the previously affected communities.
The Traditional Ruler of Umumbo, Igwe Ikechukwu Chidubem and his Nzam counterpart, Igwe Joseph Azokwu insisted that it would be right for the federal government to build permanent internally displaced persons' camps and warehouses closer to the people as many are afraid of leaving their homes.
They also called for the dredging of River Niger as solutions to mitigate the annual disaster.
The local government areas visited include Ayamelum, Anambra West and Anambra East. (MOI)
More photos below.
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