Flood: NEMA visits Anambra, re-echos call on riverine communities to relocate

THE Nigeria Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has arrived Anambra State to ascertain the State government’s preparedness towards the impending flood. The team led by the Director for Research Planning and Forecast, Mr Vincent Owan emphasized that from the statistics at their disposal through the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, the flood must come, unless God intervenes.

They were received by the State Deputy Governor, Dr Nkem Okeke, who assured of State government’s preparedness for an emergency.

According to Mr Owan, the visit is necessary, as all the indices they had in the 2012 flooding have all played out as the water level keeps increasing by the day, reiterating that twelve States contiguous to Rivers, Benue and Niger have been placed on alert, calling on them to move the inhabitants of the flood-prone areas immediately.

He said that they had confirmed that Kogi State government has evacuated affected Communities to higher grounds and to Internally Displaced Person camps, in anticipation of the flood, stressing that apart from ascertaining the preparedness of Anambra State government, they are also in the State on sensitization campaign as well as identify higher grounds where people and property can be moved.

Responding, Deputy Governor Okeke who lamented that flooding has become a recurrent incident in the Country, said that State government is ready for emergencies, but called for federal government’s assistance to complement their efforts.

The Deputy Governor further assured of State government’s support and cooperation through the State Emergency Management Agency and expressed optimism that the 2012 flood devastation will not repeat itself.

The Director, Anambra state fire service, Engr. Martin Agbili, who commended the visit of NEMA in the state called on the state government to work humanitariously with NEMA to ensure victims of the flood disasters are properly taking care of.

He urged the state government also to equip the fire service in the state with more facilities,  training and retaining of personals for effective delivery.

 Present at the visit were the Secretary to the State Government SSG, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, and the State Emergency Management team, led by its Director, Chief Paul Odenigbo, among others.