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Flood Predictions Trigger Residents Relocation In Anambra

Predictions by the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), have forced the government and people of Anambra State in flood prone areas to commence preparations to relocate. … Continue reading Flood Predictions Trigger Residents Relocation In Anambra


flooding, Anambra, Flood, SEMA

flood, residents of Anambra, NEMA, Predictions by the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), have forced the government and people of Anambra State in flood prone areas to commence preparations to relocate.

According to the nation’s meteorologists, 11 states, including Anambra will be affected.

The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has embarked on a sensitisation tour of the 10 Local Government areas of Anambra State that are flood prone.

Relevant stakeholders and organisations that will assist in disseminating the flood alert information to the grassroots are also involved.

River Size Increase

Life in Otuocha, a community in Anambra East local Government area of the state still appears to be flourishing and there is yet to be any signs of flooding, as the river is not surging towards the land.

Residents, who stay close to the riverine areas, say business and transportation activities are fully on-going at the marine market despite noticeable increase in the size of the river.

They said that  in spite of the August break, which signals that the prediction, as against that of 2014, may be true, they were prepared for the eventuality, should it come.


During the 5th general seminar of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, the Executive Secretary of SEMA, Mr Paul Odenigbo, urged traditional institutions, especially those in the flood prone areas, to help sensitise the community members to begin gathering their valuables ahead of time.

In an interview, the Executive Secretary of SEMA told reporters that the government was fumigating and preparing the 21 IDP camps across the state and urged the people to heed the flood warning.

The people, however, appealed to the government to provide speed boats which would facilitate easy and quick evacuation of their belongings when the time comes.

Swept Away

Meanwhile, few days after the flood alert was issued, one of the states mentioned – Kano – experienced flood that swept away at least 5,300 houses.

It occurred in  six local government areas of Kano State.

According to the Executive Secretary of the Agency, Mr Aliyu Bashir, the affected local government areas include, Bebeji, Dawakin Kudu, Kiru Shanono, Bagwai and Garun Mallam.

On Tuesday, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said it believed the Federal and State governments were better prepared to avert a humanitarian crisis after recent flood alerts.

The Director General of NEMA, Sani Sidi, expressed hopes of government’s readiness, stressing that early warning provided must be matched with early action.