Anambra Prepares 27 IDP Camps Ahead of Flooding

The Anambra State Government has readied at least 27 internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in anticipation of potential flooding due to the rising water levels of the River Niger.

It has been reported that seven local government areas are at high risk of flooding this year, including Ayamelum, Anambra East, Anambra West, Ogbaru, Ekwusigo, Ihiala, and Awka North.

Some markets in Onitsha, a major commercial city, are already under threat due to the increasing water levels of the River Niger.

Governor Charles Soludo has stated that the government is making extensive preparations for this year’s flood season and is collaborating with the federal government to manage the situation.

“We are taking serious measures regarding our environment and have received multiple warnings. We are gearing up for the anticipated severe flooding, as Anambra State is typically one of the hardest hit.

“We are working hard on this. Two years ago, when a similar event occurred, eight local government areas were flooded, causing losses worth hundreds of billions of naira and displacing hundreds of thousands of people.

“We are preparing for this year’s expected flood, and it’s going to require a significant amount of money. We are mobilizing our resources to be ready.

“The federal government has, for instance, sent us 24,000 bags of rice, which we’ve stored for this major emergency expected soon. We are distributing these to wards and the eight affected local government areas, with 70 bags allocated per ward.

“We are also contributing our own resources, which will cost the state billions of naira,” he said.

Residents in some riverine communities have already begun evacuating from the flooded areas.The traditional ruler of Omor Community in Ayamelum Local Government Area, Igwe Chidume Oranu, mentioned that those affected are relocating with their essential belongings to higher ground.

“We are advising our people living in flood-prone farm settlements to leave for higher ground immediately.

“We have also encouraged them to start harvesting their crops early to avoid being caught off guard,” the royal father said.