By Chinyere Nwoye
Following the incidents of heavy downpour in the morning of Tuesday, October 7, Anambra State Government has cautioned residents against outdoor activities during such heavy downpours, especially in the month of October.
The Executive Secretary, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Chief Paul Odenigbo, handed down the warning while reacting to incidents arising from flash floods in parts of the state.
He said, “there were cases of flash flooding in Nkpor, Ogidi, Nnewi, Amawbia, Awka and some other parts of the state during and after the downpour which lasted several hours.
“There were reports of several havocs caused by the flood, from submerging of houses to the destruction of walls, fences and the pulling down of shops”.Chief Odenigbo, while confirming the incidents, regretted that blocking of waterways and other unwholesome activities were majorly responsible for the incidents.
“There is need for residents to minimize their activities including vehicular and human movements during rainfall because of the likelihood of heavy flooding. This will reduce the numerous harms associated with this type of situation”.
The SEMA boss while sympathizing with those affected by the menace reminded residents of the predictions from relevant environmental agencies which had confirmed that there would be continuous heavy rain this October across the nation.
He, however, expressed displeasure that the reports of the menace so far recorded were in urban areas and not the usual riverine areas, confirming that human activities which include poor waste disposals, might be responsible for the floodings.
