Anambra NSCDC Urges Residents To Relocate From Flood-Prone Areas

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command, has urged residents in flood-prone communities to relocate to higher ground as a precautionary measure against the predicted flooding by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).

The Commandant, Maku Olatunde, issued the advisory on Thursday following an assessment of the preparedness level of the Command’s Disaster Management Unit.

Olatunde said the command has already begun proactive steps to mitigate flood risks during the rainy season, including public awareness and advocacy visits to high-risk areas.

He emphasized that the objective is to educate and alert the public to the dangers of flooding and the importance of adhering to safety measures such as relocation.

He stated, “In adherence to our core mandate of disaster prevention, mitigation, and management, the NSCDC advised residents, particularly those living in flood-prone communities, to relocate to safer areas due to the predicted potential flooding warned by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency.

“The advice is coming after assessing the preparedness of the Command’s Disaster Management Unit as precautionary measures to avert flood disasters.”

Olatunde further noted that the State Commandant has directed Deputy Commandant Nnadi Ngozi, who heads the Disaster Management Unit, to mobilize emergency personnel to vulnerable areas. The unit has also been tasked with intensifying awareness campaigns through various media outlets and working closely with traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders involved in disaster response.

“The state Commandant has also directed the Deputy Commandant Nnadi Ngozi, in charge of the Disaster Management Unit, to mobilize an emergency team of personnel to flood-prone areas, intensify public awareness and sensitization campaigns across all media platforms, and collaborate with traditional rulers, president generals, and other relevant stakeholders in disaster management across the state.”

In line with the directive, all area commanders and divisional officers in high-risk zones such as Ayamelum, Anambra East, Anambra West, Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Awka North, and Ogbaru LGAs have been placed on high alert.

“Consequently, all area commanders and divisional officers, especially those of high-risk zones like Ayamelum, Anambra East, Anambra West, Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Awka North, and Ogbaru LGA, respectively, have been tasked to activate immediate preparedness and safe evacuation strategies to ensure residents are not caught unaware.”