The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has identified 11 local government areas in Anambra state at risk of flooding this year and called for collaborative efforts to mitigate the negative impacts of the floods this rainy season. 

The Director General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, listed the identified local government areas as Anambra East, Anambra West, Nnewi North, Ayamelum, Ekwusigo, Idemili South and Idemili North.

Others are Ihiala, Ogbaru, Onitsha North and Onitsha South, which she said are under high and moderate risk of flooding based on the seasonal climatic prediction and annual flood outlook released by relevant agencies for the year.

Addressing a workshop on 2024 downscaling of flood early warning strategies actions in Awka, Anambra state, the DG said the prediction has provided opportunity for stakeholders to prepare and take necessary actions ahead of the disaster to save lives and property. 

While commending the Anambra state government for measures put in place to reduce occurrence of avoidable losses, saying: “Management of disaster risk in contemporary times is hinged on community participation, leaving no one behind. We must work together to safeguard and support uninterrupted socio-economic activities in Anambra State.”

In his remarks, Anambra state governor, Professor Charles Soludo, appreciated NEMA for the downscaling initiative. The governor who was represented by his deputy, Dr Gilbert Onyekachi Ibezim, said construction of more dams along major rivers would reduce occurrence of flood in communities that are along the river banks. 

Director Disaster Risk Reduction of NEMA, Dr Daniel Obot, made a presentation on the flood prediction and disaster risk reduction strategies. Participants at the workshop were Anambra state and local government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders and representatives of faith based and community organisations.