BY SUNNY A. DAVID
Anambra State Emergency Management Agency has begun distribution of relief materials to 2024 flood affected Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Anambra State.
Flag off of the distribution which took place at the SEMA warehouse, Awka had some affected LGAs present for immediate collection of their own relief materials.
They are, Ogbaru LGA, Anambra East and Anambra west LGAs.
The items included non food items such as mattresses, buckets, blankets, clothing materials, plates, cups, mosquito nets, soaps and disinfectants.
Executive Secretary, SEMA, Chief Paul Odenigbo noted that four LGAs out of ten have been flooded and Ogbaru is the most effected followed by Anambra East, Anambra west and Ayamelum.
He said, “people are already in Holding Centres so we decided to share these relief items to the displaced persons; all these basic items that we have given them will assist them in the camps”.
Chief Odenigbo noted that Anambra State Government would provide more goodies to the displaced persons as according to him, “this is an immediate relief material given to them to make them comfortable”.
He said that the Holding Centres have conveniences and other facilities for them too while noting that the water level is rising consistently and that the State Government has started to evacuate people to a higher ground.
“While some people are coming out themselves; getting a boat for evacuation is expensive but we have no other choice as human lives is more important”.
The Chairman of Ogbaru LGA, Mr. Franklin Nwadialu represented by his liaison officer, Mr. Kezito Onunokwu commended the State Government for the immediate response with the relief materials. He added that a lot of people have been displaced and are in the camps.
“These relief items the people received today from SEMA will lessen their sufferings and we need more food and medical attention,” he said.
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), on Thursday October 17 issued fresh alert warning communities along coastal lines to relocate without further delay.
SEMA, therefore, urged the people to heed the latest warning by relevant Agencies and pick essential items they will be needing while in camp.
