Soludo Anambra Government Mobilizes Against Flood Threat as State Intensifies Precautionary Measures

 

As the rains begin to pound the Nigerian landscape, the Anambra State Government is ramping up its emergency preparedness strategy to counter the threat of flood disasters. With the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) forecasting heavy downpours across the country over a three-day period from Saturday to Monday, state authorities say they are on high alert and have activated proactive measures to mitigate any potential crisis.

Dr. Felix Odimegwu, the Commissioner for Environment, revealed on Saturday that the ministry has collaborated with several critical agencies to intensify awareness campaigns aimed at educating the public on how to remain safe during the rainy season. Speaking to journalists in Awka, Odimegwu emphasized the importance of public sensitization and early warnings, particularly for residents in vulnerable, low-lying areas.

Last week’s flooding in Onitsha has already sent alarm bells ringing. A prolonged downpour on Monday left several parts of the bustling commercial city submerged. Zik’s Avenue and Iweka Road, particularly near the busy Ochanja Market, bore the brunt of the devastation. Businesses were brought to a halt as shops were inundated, commercial activities disrupted, and transportation systems paralyzed for the better part of the day.

Videos widely shared on social media painted a grim picture of the chaos. Traders were seen desperately attempting to salvage wares from their flooded stalls, while commercial tricycle operators struggled to recover their vehicles from the rapidly rising waters. Observers blame the incident largely on neglected and clogged drainage systems that failed to channel the rainwater effectively.

Odimegwu attributed such incidents to human-induced problems, noting that illegal dumping of refuse in drainage channels remains a persistent issue. He pointed out that the government has continuously warned against this practice and is now redoubling efforts to enforce environmental regulations.

“The government has taken deliberate steps to warn and educate the populace on the dangers of blocking drainage systems,” he said. “We’ve been consistent in telling people to keep their environment clean and clear of obstructions. Flooding in urban areas is mostly avoidable if water is allowed to flow freely.”

Beyond sensitization, the state has activated a multi-sectoral task force, initiated by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, to coordinate flood response strategies. Headed by Deputy Governor Dr. Onyekachi Ibezim, the task force includes officials from the ministries of environment, health, information, and education, as well as local government chairmen and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).

The commissioner noted that this body was originally formed in 2022 after devastating floods wreaked havoc across nine local government areas in the state. Learning from that tragedy, the Soludo administration vowed not to be caught off guard again.

Every week, early warning notices are sent to members of the task force, particularly to local council heads, who also oversee grassroots emergency response units. These warnings detail anticipated rainfall patterns and offer insights on expected severity, allowing communities to act in advance.

Farmers in riverine communities have been urged to heed these alerts and harvest their crops early to prevent loss, while artisans, traders, and commuters are advised to plan their movements to avoid being stranded or exposed to danger.

A unique tool aiding in this initiative is a color-coded flood-level marker installed in select flood-prone areas. This device, embedded in the ground, serves as a visual indicator of water level rise. A green reading signals normalcy, yellow advises caution and possible evacuation preparation, while red signifies imminent danger, prompting an immediate move to designated safe locations.

“If we see the water reaching the yellow level, we begin to mobilize residents for relocation,” Odimegwu explained. “At red level, lives are at risk and urgent evacuation becomes mandatory. This way, we stay ahead of the flood.”

The state government’s proactive approach is reflective of growing concern over climate change-induced weather variability, which has made floods a recurring nightmare for states like Anambra. With memories of the 2022 deluge still fresh, officials say the government’s goal this year is not just to respond to floods, but to significantly minimize their impact.

Residents are encouraged to participate actively in the state’s flood defense campaign, as the responsibility of safeguarding lives and property ultimately rests on both the government and its citizens. With coordinated planning, consistent communication, and community cooperation, Anambra hopes to turn what could be a season of destruction into one of resilience and preparedness.