Omasi – The Executive Secretary of Anambra State Emergency Management Agency, Chief Paul Odenigbo, on Thursday advised residents of flood-prone areas of the state to be on the alert.
Odenigbo gave the warning during a sensitisation tour of Omasi in Ayamelum Local Government Area.
He said that the warning became necessary following predictions that the state might experience flood this year.
Odenigbo said that the agency had commenced aggressive campaign to educate the people on the need to relocate to high lands.
He said that the state government was ready to provide assistance to the 28 internally displaced persons’ centres in 10 local government areas of the state.
He urged the traditional rulers in the affected areas to assist the agency to disseminate the information to their subjects.
He mentioned the local governments to include Anambra West, Anambra East, Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Ogbaru and Ayamelum.
He urged the people to prepare ahead of time, especially to protect their lives, certificates and valuables for the unexpected journey in the event of the flood.
In a remark, Mr Frankly Onwuokwu of the epidemiology unit in the ministry of health, advised the people on proper hygiene to avoid diseases like cholera, typhoid and malaria, among others.
“If the flood starts, don’t walk on flooded paths to avoid contracting dermatitis (disease of the skin),” he said.
Also speaking, the Coordinator of Anambra Civil Society Network for Development, Mr Chris Azor, said that the group was partnering with the state government to ensure effective information dissemination.
“The involvement of the civil society is to spread the message to the grassroots since we are with the people and ensure that the government’s efforts are felt.
“Our part is to help the government to sensitise the people on the early signs of flooding and what they need to do in the event of flooding,’’ Azor said.
He expressed the commitment of the network to ensure that those meant to benefit from the distribution of relief materials and funds benefited. (NAN)
