The Anambra State government has commenced the immediate evacuation of those living in riverine areas due to a rapid rise in water levels in the Niger and Benue rivers over the past few days.
The Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Chief Paul Odenigbo, disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Awka, the Anambra state capital.
On Thursday, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) issued a fresh alert urging communities along coastal lines to relocate without further delay.
Chief Odenigbo stated that the state government had provided the necessary support to relocate people to safer areas and mitigate the worsening impacts of the floods as rainfall persists.
He noted that in some local governments, plans had been finalised to use boats to evacuate over 3,000 inhabitants willing to move to higher ground.
According to him, Governor Charles Soludo has made available essential items for those in various holding camps in the state to ensure they are comfortable during their stay.
Items distributed to the local government areas of Ogbaru, Anambra West, and Ayamelum include blankets, mattresses, buckets, and cartons of soap and detergents.
The SEM boss stated that the camps had been well prepared with conveniences, water supply, and other relevant logistics provided by the government.
Chief Odenigbo urged the public to heed the latest warnings from relevant agencies and to pack essential items such as certificates, documents, and medications that they will need while in the camps.