By Chioma Nwamah-Ahamefula
As part of efforts to mitigate the impact of the anticipated 2026 flooding season, the Anambra State Government has intensified its preparedness campaign with a stakeholders’ sensitization and awareness meeting convened by the Deputy Governor and Chairman of the State Flood Response Committee, Dr. OnyekaChukwu Ibezim.
The annual meeting, held on June 4, brought together key stakeholders, including officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), security agencies, and chairmen of the 10 flood-prone local government areas across the state.
Addressing participants, Dr. Ibezim emphasized the importance of early preparedness, coordination, and public sensitization in reducing the impact of flooding, particularly in riverine communities. He noted that the state government remains committed to protecting lives and property through proactive measures and inter-agency collaboration.
The deputy governor commended the affected local government councils for their level of preparedness and urged them to sustain awareness campaigns in their communities. He stressed the need for residents to heed early warning signals and cooperate with relevant authorities whenever evacuation becomes necessary.
The meeting focused on flood-prone local government areas, including Ogbaru, Ayamelum, Anambra East, Anambra West, Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Awka North, Ihiala,idemili south and other vulnerable communities identified by emergency management agencies.
In their contributions during the interactive session, the local government chairmen and representatives outlined measures already taken to prepare for possible flooding. They assured the state government of their readiness to respond effectively to emergencies and highlighted the need for additional support to strengthen response efforts.
Among their requests was the installation of solar-powered streetlights at designated holding camps to enhance security for displaced persons who may be evacuated during the flood period. They also appealed for the timely distribution of relief materials, particularly food items, from both NEMA and SEMA to support affected residents.
Officials of NEMA reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the state’s flood preparedness programme and called for sustained collaboration among all stakeholders.
Security agencies, including the Police, army, etc, pledged their readiness to support sensitization campaigns and emergency response operations.
Stakeholders at the meeting emphasized the need for permanent and well-coordinated emergency response structures that can be activated immediately when flooding occurs, rather than relying on ad hoc measures.
The meeting ended with renewed commitments from all participating agencies and local government councils to work together in safeguarding lives and property throughout the flood season.
Observers described the engagement as productive and timely, expressing confidence that the collaborative approach adopted by the state government would strengthen resilience and reduce the impact of flooding in vulnerable communities across Anambra State.
Chioma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
