Anambra Steps Up Flood Preparedness Amid Rising Fears And Warnings
As torrential rains begin to sweep across Nigeria, the Anambra State Government is ramping up its emergency response strategies to prepare for possible flood disasters — especially in the wake of recent devastation in parts of Onitsha.
Speaking to reporters in Awka on Saturday, Dr. Felix Odimegwu, Anambra’s Commissioner for Environment, confirmed that the state is taking proactive steps to mitigate the effects of flooding during the 2025 rainy season.
This response comes just days after a heavy downpour submerged parts of Onitsha, including Zik’s Avenue and Iweka Road near Ochanja Market. The flood, which disrupted business, damaged properties, and swept through major roads, sent shockwaves through the commercial hub — and videos circulating online show traders and commuters scrambling to save goods and vehicles from the deluge.
📢 What the Government Is Doing
According to Odimegwu, the Ministry of Environment has intensified public sensitisation campaigns in collaboration with other relevant agencies, warning residents — especially those in flood-prone or coastal regions — about potential dangers.
The warnings are based on early predictions from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which named Anambra among states most at risk of flooding this season.
“We’re actively warning residents and ensuring that people are prepared,” said Odimegwu. “Especially those in low-lying or riverine areas — they need to be ready in case relocation becomes necessary.”
🚫 Tackling Man-Made Flooding
Odimegwu pointed out that man-made causes, especially the blockage of drainage systems, are a leading contributor to urban flooding.
“We have repeatedly sensitised residents to stop dumping refuse in gutters and drainage channels. This is one of the main causes of urban flooding,” he emphasized.
In response, the state is conducting a drainage audit and cleanup, particularly in urban areas, to ensure free flow of stormwater.
🛡️ Formation of Flood Management Committees
Governor Chukwuma Soludo, through his deputy Dr. Onyekachi Ibezim, has activated multi-agency flood preparedness committees, which include:
These committees were first formed in the aftermath of the 2022 floods that ravaged nine LGAs in the state. Their mandate is to provide community-level crisis management and timely evacuations.
📶 Early Warning Systems and Local Alerts
Each week, early warning messages are sent to local government chairmen and community leaders, helping them anticipate the impact of expected rainfalls.
A unique component of Anambra’s flood monitoring includes “water level markers” — physical objects buried in vulnerable areas that track rising water levels using a traffic-light color system:
This helps both officials and locals know when to act.
🧑🌾 Farmers, Traders, Civil Servants: Who Needs to Pay Attention
The Commissioner emphasized that flood alerts are crucial not just for residents in flood zones, but also for:
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Farmers in riverine areas — to harvest early before floods destroy crops
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Traders — to safeguard inventory
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Commuters & workers — to plan movement and avoid getting caught in dangerous conditions
🧭 Conclusion: Proactive, Not Reactive
As Nigeria braces for a wetter-than-usual season, Anambra’s proactive measures serve as a model for early disaster mitigation. While natural flooding from rising rivers may be unavoidable, the government is determined to ensure that man-made disasters are prevented, and that citizens are protected, informed, and ready.
“We cannot stop the rain — but we can stop the disaster,” Dr. Odimegwu concluded.
