Nonye Soludo, the wife of the Anambra State Governor, has issued a strong advisory to residents of flood-prone communities, urging them to relocate to higher ground in response to forecasts of imminent flooding.
Speaking in Awka, Mrs. Soludo highlighted recent emergency alerts from both the federal and state governments, emphasizing that the advanced warnings offer a crucial window of time to prepare and mitigate potential disaster impacts.
She revealed that the Anambra State government has already initiated comprehensive flood containment plans, including partnerships with federal agencies, local authorities, and international organizations to address the looming crisis.
Mrs. Soludo reassured the public that the state government is prioritizing the safety of women, children, and the elderly, with special measures in place to manage any health, economic, or social challenges that may arise due to the flood.
In her message, she stressed the importance of proactive action, advising those in high-risk areas to relocate to designated holding facilities before the floodwaters arrive. She cautioned that delaying evacuation could prove dangerous.
The Governor’s wife also called on community leaders, religious organizations, and individuals to provide necessary support to those in need during this critical period.
Additionally, Mrs. Soludo announced that her NGO, Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative, would assess and address the needs of those affected by the anticipated flooding.
The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), has identified Anambra among 31 states at high risk of significant flooding in 2024.
In response, the Anambra State government has advised affected local government areas, including Anambra East, Anambra West, Ihiala, Ogbaru, Ayamelum, Awka North, Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Ekwusigo, and Idemili North, to prepare by relocating to safer areas or designated emergency camps.
