NEMA call on Anambra communities to step up flôöd preparedness

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has called on local government authorities and community leaders in Anambra State to scale up flood preparedness measures in high-risk areas.

According to a statement issued out by NEMA Enugu Operations Office, the agency met with officials and stakeholders of Anambra East Local Government at the council headquarters to discuss early action plans ahead of predicted flooding.

The meeting had in attendance the Local Government Chairman, traditional rulers, President Generals of communities, ward councillors, women and youth leaders.

The statement noted that the Head of NEMA Enugu Operations Office, Ngozi Echeazu, conveyed the directive of the agency’s Director General, Zubaida Umar, urging residents of flood-prone areas to remain vigilant, heed early warnings, avoid risky behaviour and cooperate with authorities during evacuation exercises.

She reminded local authorities and community heads of their expected responsibilities which include: clearing drainages, preventing indiscriminate waste disposal, demolishing structures on flood plains, providing habitable temporary IDP camps, and encouraging early harvesting of farm crops to minimize losses.

Responding, the Chairman of Anambra East LGA, Ifeanyichukwu Chinweze, commended NEMA’s efforts to enhance disaster-resilient communities. He described the meeting as timely, providing room for knowledge sharing, needs assessment, and continuous community participation.

The engagement also featured a presentation on flood risk and preparedness by the NEMA team. After the meeting, the officials, alongside the LGA chairman, visited Otuocha community to assess the rising water level and proceeded to the National Inland Waterways Agency office to monitor the River Niger water gauge.