By Okey Maduforo Awka.
Fifteen out of the sixteen communities in Ogbaru local government area of Anambra state have so far been submerged by flood twenty four hours after the Federal government announced the coming of this year’s flooding.
Recall that it had earlier been announced that the Nigerian Metrological Agency NIMET had listed states in the country that would be affected by flood disaster urging that those residing at the coastal lines should commence relocation.
The flooding was on the account of the last rain fall that caused the over flow of the River Niger and ultimately submerged buildings and and farm lands in the area.
Meanwhile areas that are yet to be affected by the flooding such as Okpoko saw villagers making early harvest of their crops in order to save their crops from being washed away by flood .
However the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has opened holding centres across vulnerable local government areas and urged residents of riverine communities particularly in Ogbaru, Anambra East, and Anambra West to move to higher grounds for safety.
At the moment, Governor Charles Soludo’s being represented by the Deputy Governor Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim is working with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Federal Government, has stepped up flood control efforts.
According to the Deputy Governor Ibezim who is the Chairman of the Flood Management Committee the holding camps are being upgraded and the respective local government Mayor’s are on top of the game in ensuring that the impact would be minimal.
He further explained that the joint efforts of the state government and UNDP include clearing blocked drainages, enforcing the “Operation Clear Your Waterways” directive, and advancing plans for long-term dredging of the River Niger.
But some of the villagers who spoke with reporters lamented what they are yet to take delivery of any relief materials from government or any other agencies.
“The entire 15 out of the 16 communities have been affected by the flooding and no one has come here to see us or may be they are on their way to Ogbaru” the villagers stated .
