11 LGAS AT RISK OF FLOODING IN ANAMBRA AS DIRECTOR GENERAL OF NEMA HARPS ON JOINT EARLY ACTION

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has identified 11 Local Government Areas in Anambra State to be at risk of flooding this year and called for collaborative efforts to mitigate against the negative impacts of the floods during the 2024 rainy season.

The Director General NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar listed the identified Local Government Areas as Anambra East, Anambra West, Nnewi North, Ayamelum, Ekwusigo, Idemili South and Idemili North. Others are Ihiala, Ogbaru, Onitsha North and Onitsha South, which she said are under high and moderate risk of flooding based on the seasonal climatic prediction and annual flood outlook released by relevant agencies for the year.

Addressing a workshop on 2024 downscaling of flood early warning strategies actions in Awka, Anambra State, the Director General NEMA said the prediction has provided opportunity for stakeholders to prepare and take necessary actions ahead of the disaster to save lives and property.

She said, “I want to call on the State Government, Local Government Councils, our revered traditional rulers, the clergy, opinion leaders, women and youth groups and the media in Anambra State to support proactive measures that will avert the negative impacts of the floods during the 2024 rainy season. ”

While commending the Anambra State Government for measures put in place to reduce occurrence of avoidable losses, she said “management of disaster risk in contemporary times is hinged on community participation, leaving no one behind. We must work together to safeguard and support uninterrupted socio-economic activities in Anambra State. ”

In his remarks, the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Soludo appreciated NEMA for the downscaling initiative. The Governor who was represented by his deputy, Dr Gilbert Onyekachi Ibezim said construction of more dams along major rivers would reduce occurrence of flood in communities that are along the river banks.

The Director Disaster Risk Reduction NEMA , Dr Daniel Obot made a presentation on the flood prediction and disaster risk reduction strategies. Participants at the workshop were Anambra State and Local Government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders and representatives of faith based and community organizations.

The Director General NEMA, on arrival in Awka paid a courtesy call on the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Soludo at the Government House before proceeding to the downscaling workshop. She was received at the Government House by the Deputy Governor Dr Gilbert Onyekachi Ibezim, who stood in for the Governor.