Flood: Anambra laments ‘monumental’ destruction as NEMA begins airlift of victims

The Anambra government says the flooding being experienced in the state is the worst so far.

Onyekachukwu Ibezim, the deputy governor, said the deaths, destruction of property, and livelihood are no longer tolerable.

Ibezim asked the federal government to engage Cameroonian authorities in diplomatic discussions for the systematic release of water from their dams.

He said dredging of the River Niger has become imperative as a strategy to reduce the effect of flood and to reduce the volume of overflow.

“This is monumental, it is the worst we have seen in recent times, lives have been lost, properties have been destroyed and economic activities, including farmlands, have been washed away by this flood,” he said.

“Time has come for the federal government to discuss with the Cameroonian authorities on how to manage the release of water from their dams, this should not be allowed anymore.”

Ibezim said the volume of flood has overstretched the rescue and intervention plan of the state as each day comes with new challenges.

He said the state government is doing its best with assistance from private sector-driven groups.

“Intervention needs are increasing; we are supplying live jackets to reduce the risk for those using boats and canoes to migrate. We are providing water to those in camps because there is no potable water in all the affected local government areas,” he said.

“Food demand has increased because the farms have been cut off while more people are entering the camps, they need medicals, bedding, and other items.”

Ibezim urged friends and relations of affected residents to extend invitations to them and welcome them if they seek accommodation.

NEMA, MILITARY BEGIN AIRLIFT OF VICTIMS

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the disaster response unit (DRU) of the military have commenced an aerial view operation to ascertain persons displaced or trapped by the rising floods in the state.

Thickman Tanimu, zonal coordinator of NEMA in the south-east, said it would aid the airlifting of trapped persons in the affected communities.

“Search and Rescue (SAR Operations) has commenced today. The military DRU has engaged and has started ‘Air Recce’ or Aerial view to collect imagery intelligence of the affected communities,” he said.

“This will help to ascertain displaced and trapped persons who need to be evacuated to pave the way for airlifting.”

He said relief materials would be presented directly to flood victims on Tuesday.

“The delay in arrival of the relief materials is due to the flood disaster that cut off Abuja-Lokoja road and also the security situation due to the Monday sit-at-home in the south-east,” he said.