The Executive Secretary of the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency, Paul Odenigbo, has expressed concern over the early harvesting of crops by some farmers in the state to avoid flood damage.
Speaking to journalists in Awka on Tuesday, Mr. Odenigbo noted that several community farmlands had already been submerged due to rising water levels, which are expected to increase further due to activities in neighboring countries.
He urged residents in riverine areas to relocate to higher grounds when water levels rise significantly, stressing that the flood response committee, led by the Deputy Governor, has made provisions to accommodate those displaced by the floods.
“The State Government has finalized arrangements to care for displaced persons during their stay in camps,” he said. “We have also started cleaning and fumigating these camps to ensure they are ready for the expected influx of flood victims.”
Mr. Odenigbo commended the Federal Government and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for their support but called for further intervention through river dredging or dam construction to prevent future flooding.
Designated IDP camps have been established across Ayamelum, Anambra East, Ogbaru, Onitsha South, Onitsha North, Awka North, Ihiala, and Ekwusigo Local Government Areas in preparation for the rising floodwaters.
