By Ernest Igboanugo

The Anambra State Police Command has urged parents, guardians and caregivers to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect schoolchildren during periods of heavy rainfall and flooding.

The call follows recent heavy rainfall and flooding in parts of the state, which tragically claimed the life of a school pupil, prompting renewed concern over the safety of children during severe weather.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, stated this in a release issued to journalists in Awka, advising parents to prevent children from travelling through areas affected by flooding.

Ikenga cautioned parents against allowing children to cross flooded roads, bridges, drainage channels and waterways, noting that floodwater could conceal open drains, erosion channels, culverts and other dangerous hazards.

He also urged parents to closely monitor their children before and after school hours, particularly when their homes or schools are located in flood-prone areas, while maintaining communication with schools and transport operators.

The Command advised parents to teach children to stay away from floodwater, drainage channels, rivers, culverts and construction sites, and to move to higher and safer ground whenever flooding occurs.

Motorists, school bus operators and other transporters conveying children were equally advised to exercise extreme caution during rainfall and discontinue movement whenever road conditions become unsafe.

According to the Command, parents should prioritize safety over punctuality and promptly contact the Police or other emergency responders whenever a child or any person becomes missing, stranded or endangered by flooding.

The Police Command said it would continue to work with schools, communities and relevant stakeholders through its Safe School initiatives and community policing structures to strengthen child safety across the state, stressing that where a road is flooded, motorists and pedestrians should turn back and seek a safer route.