Following the death of nine-year-old Benedict Izuchukwu, a pupil of Light International School, Okoti, Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, the State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, has called on people living in flood-prone areas of the state to relocate without delay.

The deceased nine-year-old was drowned by flood on Wednesday when she went to fetch water.

Narrating the story of his daughter’s passing, the father of the deceased, Mr. Uzo Izuchukwu, said his daughter went to fetch water with a bucket in company of her elder sister when she was swept away by flood.

He said that efforts by her eleven years older sister, Chukwuemelie to save her almost snapped her life away, save for a neighbour who quickly came to her rescue.

According to him, his deceased daughter was still clinging to life when she was brought out of the water, but due to lack of oxygen in the three different hospitals she was rushed to, she died.

A public service announcement by the state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. C-Don Adinuba, the state government reeled out flashpoints to include Ayamelum, Anambra West, Anambra East and Ogbaru.

The statement reads in part: “The Government of Anambra State has renewed its directive to all residents within the coastal areas in four local government areas to immediately leave their places in view of the raging flood water threatening to overrun the areas.

“The forecast by relevant agencies that these places will experience very high levels of rainfall resulting in dangerous floods is coming to pass.

“The state government has made arrangements for the effective and efficient evacuation of residents of these local government areas and relocate them to designated holding centres.

“The centres have been provided with sanitary facilities, water boreholes, beds, cooking utensils and foodstuffs.

“A number of water ambulances and other marine transport vehicles are on standby.”

The statement said that emergency services, including the Nigerian Navy, Army, Police Force and the Anambra State Fire Service as well as the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency and the National Emergency Management Agency, have been well mobilised.

The State Government, however, urged philanthropists, humanitarian and donor agencies, non-governmental agencies to assist in any way they could to enable the people grapple with challenges resulting from the flood.

The statement added: “Residents of the affected areas are therefore advised to move immediately to avoid needless dangers in the face of imminent threat to life and property.”

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