The wife of the Anambra governor, Dr (Mrs) Nonye Soludo, has urged residents in flood-prone communities to relocate to safer areas and take necessary precautions as flooding persists across the state.
Soludo, in a statement issued to newsmen on Wednesday in Awka, expressed concern over the rising flood situation and its potential impact on families, particularly those living in vulnerable communities.
She urged residents to remain vigilant, heed weather and flood warnings, avoid crossing flooded roads and waterways, and move to safer locations whenever their homes or surroundings became unsafe.
“Let us stop dumping refuse in drainage channels because blocked waterways can worsen flooding and pose serious risks to lives and property.
“Parents and guardians should also keep children away from floodwaters, drainage channels, streams and other dangerous areas during heavy rainfall,” she said.
Soludo called for increased community awareness and collective responsibility, stressing that early action and responsible environmental practices could help reduce the impact of flooding.
She encouraged residents to promptly report emergencies to relevant authorities and urged communities to look out for one another and respond quickly whenever floodwaters started to rise.
The governor’s wife reaffirmed the importance of preparedness and vigilance in protecting lives.
She assured that the state government would continue to take necessary measures to cushion the effects of the disaster on affected families and communities.
The assurance came on the heels of the recovery of the body of Success Ezenwafor, a UNIZIK primary school pupil, swept away by floodwaters on Tuesday in Awka.
The Chairman of Awka South Local Government Council, Mr Chinedu Okafor, confirmed the recovery, saying two other children involved in the incident were rescued and are receiving treatment at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital, Awka.
According to the family, Ezenwafor was returning from school when the vehicle he boarded was caught in the flood.
He reportedly broke a window of the vehicle, creating an escape route for other children, but was unable to escape himself.
