Kuni Tyessi in Abuja
Following the flooding and erosion that have wreaked havoc in Anambra State, Governor Chukwuma Soludo has called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to come to the aid of those affected in the state in the next 48 hours.
The governor said the natural disaster has led to the loss of lives, affected bridges, infrastructure, school calendar, healthcare delivery, economic activities and the lively-hood of many.
Represented by his deputy, Dr. Gilbert Ibezim, who made the plea in Abuja on Thursday when he visited the headquarters of NEMA, Soludo said out of the 21 local government areas of the state, nine have been severly affected by the flood.
He said that some of the camps, that were used in the past to rehabilitate the affected persons, will no longer be in use, adding that the state government has identified upper lands where evacuated persons will be hosted.
He added that while flood management has come to stay and there should be an institute for it, he thanked the agency for its gesture in the past which he said is commendable.
“Anambra State is the epicentre of erosion and this has resulted in loss of lives, affected bridges, infrastructure, school calendar, healthcare delivery, economic activities and the livelyhood of many.
“We have been informed that the tides are rising again, and as of yesterday, we said in the next 72 hours, the camps will be open again. Some of the camps used in the past will not be used. Upland has been identified and we will evacuate the people there.
“A lot of dams are needed and should be encouraged. Also, the dredging of Rivers Niger and Benue. The flood is here again and we need your help in the provision of consumables,” he said.
In response, the Director General of NEMA, Mustapha Habib Ahmed, said states must admonish residents to desist from blocking drainages with waste, adding that such practice has been a major cause of flooding.
While pledging the agency’s commitment and readiness to work with state governments, he added that disaster management enlightenment needs to be taken to the grassroots for proper orientation.
