By Pamela Eboh
The Commissioner for Information in Anambra State, Sir Paul Nwosu on Friday called on residents of flood prone areas in the state to prepare ahead of time against imminent flood disaster as the rainy season approaches.
He said that the 2023 seasonal rainfall prediction and annual flood outlook by Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NIMET and Nigerian Hydrological Service Agency, NIHSA, has shown that there will be high rainfall across the country and flood this year.
Recall that last year’s flood disaster not only destroyed farm produce and ravaged people’s home but also took along with it human lives.
The high flood risk areas in Anambra State that include Ogbaru, Ayamelum, Anambra East, Anambra West, Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Awka North, Idemili South, Ekwusigo and Ihiala LGA
Meanwhile, the State Emergency Management Agency SEMA has issued some flood mitigation measures:which called on residents to make concrete plans for timely harvesting and evacuation of their farm produce and livestock to avoid losses.
It urged them not to wait until the flood comes to harvest.
Other measures were, “Make concrete plans to secure your household properties and essential belongings as much as possible before the flood actually sets in.
“Plan ahead to get your family as well as the aged, the sick, pregnant women, infants and children evacuated well on time to safety nets, (IDP CAMPS provided by the ANSG Government ) to avoid preventable loss of lives. Timely evacuation is key.
“De-silting of water channels should be done continuously as huge amount of silt is deposited in water channels after rainfall.
“People should stop constructing in water plains and across water channels.
“Clear gutters and drainages: do not dispose your thrash in gutters or drainage.
“Move to a higher ground before the flood becomes neck deep. If cut off from designated point, climb and stay on a tree or high platform.”
SEMA further adviced residents to Keep a family disaster kit, saying, “A disaster kit is an assemblage of basic essentials (food, water, medications, touch lights, blankets, etc.) that will last a family a few days in event of flood.
“It is dangerous to wade or swim in flood waters due to submerged logs, stones and the presence of dangerous reptiles.
“Children should not attempt to recover any of their toys or belongings which perchance have fallen into the flood for it can drown them in the process.
“Do not drive in the flood because you can float and be carried away. Step out immediately and search for a higher ground.
“Never play in flood. Do not drink or eat any food contaminated by flood water.”
While advicing residents of the flood prone areas to deploy sand bags around their buildings for purpose of flood defence before the onset of flood, SEMS also urged people to avoid wet electrical equipment during flooding and put off all electrical appliances to avoid electrocution.
