By Felix Igboanugo :
To mitigate the devastating effects of flooding in Anambra West, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has embarked on a sensitization campaign to educate residents on essential flood preparedness measures.
The sensitisation campaign was in response to the recent flooding incidents that affected almost all community in the local council. It was held in collaboration with the Anambra West Local Government Council, aimed at educating residents on the importance of being prepared for potential flooding.
Speaking at the event held at the local council headquarters, Nzam, the leader of the team, and South East Zonal Coordinator of NEMA, Mrs. Ngozi Echeazu highlighted the need for residents to be proactive and prepared for any flood disaster that may arise.
She emphasized the role of community involvement in flood management and urged residents to work together to identify safe evacuation routes and establish early warning systems.
Mrs Echeazu advised residents to clear drainages and water channels to prevent blockages and reduce the risk of flooding, assuring residents that NEMA would work closely with the local government to ensure a prompt response in the event of a flood disaster.
She also appealed to residents to take the sensitization seriously and apply the knowledge gained to protect themselves.
Earlier in his remarks, the Transition Committee Chairman of Anambra West LGA, Mr. Fidelis Nnazor, commended NEMA and SEMA for their efforts in sensitizing the residents and providing them with necessary guidelines on flood preparedness.
He narrated how flood has adversely affected ndi Anambra West, with properties and farm produce worth millions lost in it almost every year, saying that with the sensitisation, ndi Anambra West would be more prepared and more equipped to face the looming danger.
Mr Nnazor therefore appealed to various stakeholders and residents to take the campaign seriously and implement the measures therein.
Some of residents who spoke to information officer promised to take the necessary steps to ensure their safety in the event of a flood. They also pledged to work together with relevant agencies to ensure a prompt and effective response to any emergency.
* Igboanugo is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *