By Chinyere Nwoye :
The Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has embarked on an assessment tour to Ogbaru Local Government Area to ascertain the current water level.
The aim was to enable NEMA and SEMA team to gather vital information on the flooding situation as well as provide accurate reporting of the current situation of flooding in the area to the federal and the state governments respectively.
The Acting Zonal Coordinator, South East, NEMA, Mrs. Ngozi Echeazu told newsmen that the teams have been drawn early to Ogbaru on the predictions by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (Nimet), about flooding this year, “and it is here now.”
She noted that the federal government does not want to be caught unawares by this year’s flooding hence the early prediction and warnings to people who are likely to be affected to get prepared.
“The early warning and sensitization is to get you ready so that the flood does not take you unawares by destroying your property or kill anyone.
“After getting a call from a federal house member representing Ogbaru Mr Afam Victor Ogene that some people have been displaced by flood and are in Holding Centres we immediately came for assessment.
“I plead with victims who are yet to move into Holding Centres to do so now while we wait for succour from the government,” she noted.
On his part, the Executive Secretary (ES) SEMA, Chief Paul Odenigbo noted that the essence of this joint assessment from both NEMA and SEMA is to avail them the opportunity of first hand information on the havoc caused by the flood and report to the state government.
The teams were also directed to prepare immediate evacuation of persons into Holding Centres until the surging water recedes.
Mr. Emeka Obi a flood victim pleaded with the government to assist them with food and medication, especially for their children and women as they came to the camp without anything.
* Nwoye is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *