Farmers in Anambra State have started harvesting their crops ahead of schedule to avoid damage from the rising floodwaters, reports say.
This is because many farmlands across various communities are already submerged as water levels continue to rise.
The Executive Secretary of Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Paul Odenigbo, provided an update on the flood situation, explaining that water levels are expected to rise further due to activities in neighboring countries, which will send more floodwaters into Nigeria through river channels.
Odenigbo urged residents in riverine areas to remain vigilant and prepare to relocate to higher ground if water levels surge. “The Anambra State Government has finalized plans through the flood response committee, led by the deputy governor, to ensure that displaced residents are well taken care of in designated camps,” he said.
SEMA has already started cleaning and fumigating holding camps across the state to accommodate those displaced by the floods, which are expected to worsen in the coming weeks.
While commending the Federal Government’s support through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Odenigbo stressed that more action is needed. He called for a thorough inspection and assessment of the flood damage to accurately measure the disaster’s impact.
As a permanent solution, Odenigbo recommended dredging the rivers or constructing dams, which he believes are the only long-term measures to tackle the state’s recurring flood problem.
The government has set up Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in several local government areas, including Ayamelum, Anambra East, Ogbaru, Onitsha South, Onitsha North, Awka North, Ihiala, and Ekwusigo.
