Anambra Emergency Management Agency Warns On Impending Flood Disaster In Idemili South LGA
By Chidimma Okoye (MOI)
Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has warned against impending flood disaster in Idemili South Local Government Area of the State.
The warning was given at the Idemili South Local Government Headquarters, Ojoto, during a flood sensitization exercise.
The Secretary, Anambra SEMA, Mr. Emeka Obinwa, recalled that the Nigerian Meteorological Institute (NIMET) and the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) in February, this year, predicted that Nigeria might experience serious flooding similar to what happened in 2012.
The prediction caused SEMA to embark on sensitization exercise to flood prone areas ans communities in the state to sensitise and educate them on the impending flood disaster and and what precautions to take.
According to the State SEMA Secretary, it was predicted that 233 LGAs in the country would be affected by high probable flood risk, this year, while about 33 LGAs would have low probable flood risk.
Mr. Obinwa observed that most times, flood disasters are man-made, and cited instances that in some communities in Idemili South, gutters and flood channels are filled with sands and refuse, forcing rain water to flow on roads, destroying roads and properties as it moves.
He also noted that the style of roofing buildings these days causes rain water to flow down with force, thereby creating openings on the ground.
“People seal up the soil with concrete and stones which no longer allow water to get assimilated into the ground in people’s compounds, but surges out with force to cause havoc on the adjoining environment that are not covered”.
Speaking, the Transitional Committee Chairman, Idemili South, Mrs. Amaka Obi, commended the sensitization visit by the SEMA members, stating that the people are now better educated and informed on flood related issues.
She said this would assist them make early preparations to avert flood disasters and minimize damage.
She said that her executive members and the representatives of all the communities that make up the LGA would take the message to their various communities.
Mrs. Obi called on SEMA team to ensure they draw government attention to challenges facing flood prone areas for necessary actions.
The President General, Awka Etiti Town Union, Mr. Ifeanyi Izundu, intimated that when rain falls, flood flows from Igboukwu, Ichida and Adazi down to Awka Etiti, making it very difficult for people and motorists to get to Nnobi and other areas.
He said that the area needed big drainage that would accommodate the surging flood from the whole areas.
The Vice President General, Ojoto Town Union, Mr. Chinedum Ejiofor, enjoined SEMA team to create flood holding centres in the LGA in preparation for the impending flooding.
The President General of Nnobi Town Union, Mr. Okechukwu Odezue, adviced motorists who ply Ojoto-Nnobi road to always park and clear off the road whenever it is raining to avoid being swept sway by flood especially around Obiaja river area.
