By Sunny A. David, Awka
Flooding has escalated in Anambra State, leaving several homes, farmlands, and roads submerged in Ogbaru Local Government Area following days of heavy rainfall and rising water from the River Niger.
The Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has opened holding centres across vulnerable local government areas and urged residents of riverine communities particularly in Ogbaru, Anambra East, and Anambra West to move to higher grounds for safety.
Governor Charles Soludo’s administration, working with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Federal Government, has stepped up flood control efforts.
These include clearing blocked drainages, enforcing the “Operation Clear Your Waterways” directive, and advancing plans for long-term dredging of the River Niger.
However, despite repeated warnings, many residents have refused to vacate their homes, raising concerns about mass displacement, food shortages, and the risk of waterborne diseases.
Relief materials have started reaching some affected areas, while monitoring teams continue to track water levels in the State’s floodplains.