Flood Wreaks Havoc In Ogbaru, Anambra
By MONDAY AJOGUN
Flooding has once again struck Ogbaru Local Government Area, submerging homes, farmlands, and public facilities, leaving residents struggling to navigate the rising waters.
Reports on Wednesday indicated that Ogbaru, a flood-prone community along the River Niger, has repeatedly suffered severe flooding in past years. The latest surge followed persistent rainfall, which caused water levels to rise dramatically.
A correspondent who visited the area observed residents wading through knee- to waist-deep waters, while others paddled wooden canoes to reach their destinations as roads became impassable.
SEMA Prepares for Evacuation
The Executive Secretary of the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr. Paul Odenigbo, said residents in water-prone areas had been well sensitized about the anticipated flooding.
“All water-prone areas in Anambra were informed about the flood situation. Our personnel are on the ground to mitigate the impact, and holding centers are being prepared, fumigated, and readied for occupation by those affected,” Odenigbo stated.
He added that the flooding is still in its early stages, with water levels expected to rise further in the coming days.
When asked about the possibility of residents refusing to evacuate, Odenigbo explained that some may be reluctant due to their experience living with seasonal floods:
“The high water is not new to them; they have been living with it year after year. When advised to leave, some just laugh because they feel nothing has happened yet,” he said.
Government Response
Efforts to obtain comments from the Anambra Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Felix Odumegwu, were unsuccessful, as calls and messages sent to his phone went unanswered.
Residents continue to navigate the flooding, hoping for timely intervention from the state government as the water levels rise in Ogbaru LGA.
