The Executive Secretary of the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Chief Paul Odenigbo, has called of residents of coastal communities in Anambra state to prepare to relocate as soon as they notice rising water levels in their areas.

Odenigbo who made the call during an early warning interactive sensitisation meeting for Ayamelum and Awka North local government areas, said the call was vital following prediction from relevant agencies of imminent flood disaster in some states including Anambra.

According to the representative of SEMA boss in the state, Emeka Obinwa, he explained that the call is not intended to arouse panic among the people, but for them to guard against being caught unawares by the flood.

While pointing out the established holding centres in both local government areas, Odenigbo assured the communities of government’s assistance whenever flooding occurs.

An aide to the state Governor on Fire Safety and Utilities, Anthony Achebe, harped on the need for women and children, who he described as the most vulnerable in any disaster, to join in the sensitisation campaign, especially during the August meetings.

In his remarks, the traditional ruler of Amanuke, Igwe Alphonsus Ezebuilo, commended the government for the visit.

He used the occasion to call for the dredging of the River Niger saying that it will help to reduce the devastating effects of the flood on the people and the economy of the riverine communities.

President-General of Umumbo in Ayamelum Local Government Area, Anthony Nnama, also advocated for more research work by agencies in charge of weather forecast to forestall incidences of farmers losing their crops.

According to him, the research will go a long way to give early warnings for a period of years to prevent the farmers in riverine communities from farming in order to reduce the destruction of their farm products.

He added that “no amount of compensation given to the farmers will be commensurate to what is wasted in the event of flood disaster”.

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