The Executive Secretary of the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency, Paul Odenigbo, has raised concerns over the premature harvesting of crops by some farmers in the state to avoid impending flood damage.
Speaking to journalists in Awka on Tuesday, Mr. Odenigbo reported that several community farmlands had already been submerged due to a continuous rise in water levels, which is expected to increase further due to activities in neighboring countries.
He called on residents in riverine areas to evacuate to higher grounds when they observe significant increases in water levels, emphasizing that the flood response committee, led by the Deputy Governor, has completed arrangements to accommodate those displaced by the floods.
“The State Government has concluded arrangements to care for displaced persons during their stay in camps,” he explained. “We’ve also commenced cleaning and fumigation of these camps to ensure they are habitable for the potential influx of flood victims.”
Mr. Odenigbo praised the support provided by the Federal Government and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) but urged further intervention through river dredging or dam construction to prevent future annual flooding.
Designated IDP camps have been set up across Ayamelum, Anambra East, Ogbaru, Onitsha South, Onitsha North, Awka North, Ihiala, and Ekwusigo Local Government Areas in anticipation of the rising floodwaters.