Flood sacks Anambra communities

No fewer than 36 communities in four local government areas of  Anambra  State have been sub­ merged.

The affected local government areas are Anambra West, Ayamelum, some parts of Anambra East, and Ogbaru.

The state government led by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, had been warning the residents to relocate from their areas to avoid regret, especially those at the riverine areas.

The flooding has left many people homeless especially, those who believed flooding would not  occur this year.

Some of them were shocked when the surge came unexpectedly, but some of the farmers had already cleared their produce before the flooding.

A resident, Mrs Comfort Okonkwo said her family had relocated to Otuocha to seek  refuge.

The middle-aged farmer said already they had harvested their farm produce at Anambra West before the flooding arrived.

In Mmiata Anam, Ukwala, and other  communities in Anambra East and West, farmers had harvested their crops to avoid being caught unprepared.

Prince Chris Okwuosa from Umuzu in Ogbaru local government area expressed concern, saying they thought the flood would not come again this year despite the warnings.

“We thought that the flood would not come this year because the usual period for flooding has passed. By now, the flood should have been receding, but it is coming late,” he said.

Sir Michael Chukwusa, President General of Akili Ogidi Community in Ogbaru, also stated that this year’s flood is coming late.

“About eight towns have already been sub­ merged. From Atani to Ochuche, Ogwuikpele, Ogwuaniocha and my town, Akili Ogidi, have all been affected by the flooding, forcing people to  relocate to higher grounds,” he said.

The state Commissioner for Environment, Felix Odumegwu, said government had been active in resolving the situation.

He attributed the late flooding this year to climate change, adding, “Flooding occurs due to intense prolonged rainfall.”  Climate change is a signifi­ cant contributor to this late flooding. Globally, cities like Valencia in Spain, Italy, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and various parts of the USA have experienced se­ vere weather that has led to flash flooding.”