By Chinyere Nwoye
Following the incidents of the heavy downpour on the morning of October 7, the Anambra State Government has cautioned its residents against outdoor activities during such heavy down pour, especially in the month of October.
The Executive Secretary, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Chief Paul Odenigbo handed down the warning while reacting to incidents arising from flash floodings in some parts of the state.
He said, “there were cases of flash flooding in Nkpor, Ogidi, Nnewi, Amawbia, Awka and some other parts of the state during and after the downpour which lasted several hours.
“There were reports of several havocs caused by the flood, from submerging of houses to the destruction of walls, fences and the pulling down of shops.”
Chief Odenigbo, while confirming the incidents, regretted that blocking of waterways and other unwholesome activities were majorly responsible for the incidents.
“There is need for residents to minimize their activities including vehicular and human movements during rainfall because of the likelihood of heavy flooding. This will reduce the numerous harms associated with this type of situation.”
The SEMA boss while sympathizing with those affected by the menace reminded residents of the predictions from relevant environmental agencies which had confirmed that there would be continuous heavy rain this October across the nation.
He, however, showed his displeasure on the fact that the reports of the menace so far recorded were in urban areas and not the usual riverine areas, confirming that human activities which includes poor waste disposals, would be responsible for the floodings.
Chinyere is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
