Flood: Soludo urges FG to provide assistance for Anambra victims

Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra has called on the Federal Government to come to the assistance of the state as it battles with ravaging flood.

Soludo made the call on Thursday after visiting Ogbaru, one of the flooded areas.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that about five Local Government Areas in Anambra including Ogbaru, Anambra East, Anambra West, Ayamelun, Onitsha South, parts of Awka North and Ihiala are heavily flooded.

In a Statement signed by his Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, Soludo said there was need for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and good spirited individuals and groups to assist his government to alleviate the hardship faced by displaced persons.

“They need support now and afterwards because their houses, properties and farmlands are submerged under water. I’m worried that they will have to start life afresh.

“He said his government was doing everything possible to alleviate the sufferings of the people.

“We are receiving people from Delta State to join IDP Camp in Onitsha North. Today alone, over 400 displaced persons have reported here,’ he said.

Soludo urged the Federal Government to hold talks with the Cameroonian government for a lasting solution to the devastating flooding which resulted from the opening of dams in the neighboring country.

He said it was worrisome  that every year, people ran away from their homes  because of flooding while suggesting that  construction of dams or diversionary channels could help solve the problem.

He however, expressed optimism that the flood would recede soon and that victims would find their way back to their respective homes.

He said he had noted the challenges of victims and that the government would try its best to provide power supply, foams, soap, mosquito nets, medical care and others.

“Government will extend support and hopefully, within two weeks, the flood will subside. When you return to your homes, the government will still come back to visit and assess your losses.

“We are willing to help restore all you have lost,” he said.

Some of the displaced person’s camps visited were  Onitsha North Council  and Umuoba Anam and Ekpe Nneyi, Umueri in Anambra East Council area. (NAN)