Following the rising water levels and the resultant flooding in parts of the state, some farmers in riverine parts of Anambra State have started harvesting their crops prematurely to beat the impending flood disaster.
Our correspondent who visited some of the flood plains including Anambra East, Anambra West, and Ogbaru Council Areas, where flood impact is usually high, observed that many farmlands were already under water following an increase in water level.
People were also seen harvesting crops such as yam, cocoyam, potatoes, and cassava, even when they were yet premature.
Providing an update on the flood situation in the state, the Executive Secretary, of Anambra State Emergency Management Management Agency, SEMA, Chief Paul Odenigbo said the water level has been on the increase and is expected to rise more following the activities from some neighbouring countries which translate to more flood waters in Nigeria through the river channels.
He called on those living in the riverine areas of the state to be ready and ensure to relocate to higher grounds whenever they notice an emergency increase in the water level.
Odenigbo said: “Anambra State Government has concluded arrangements through the flood response committee heads by the deputy governor to ensure that those that would be displaced are taken care of during their stay in camps.
“The agency has commenced cleaning and fumigation of the holding camps across the state to make it habitable for the people that would be displaced by flood which may likely increase more in the coming weeks.”
Odenigbo commended the support and efforts of the Federal government through the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, saying more still needs to be done including inspection and evaluation of the extent of damage to ensure that the impact of the incident is properly valued by the end of the flood incidents.
Chief Odenigbo recommended the dredging of the rivers by the federal government or the construction of dams as that is the only sure permanent solution to contain the Annual Flood disaster.
It was gathered that the government has designated IDP camps in Ayamelum, Anambra East, Ogbaru, Onitsha South, Onitsha North, Awka North, Ihiala and Ekwusigo local government areas.
