Fifteen out of the sixteen communities in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State have been submerged by floodwaters, less than 24 hours after the Federal Government issued a warning about imminent nationwide flooding.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had earlier identified several states at high risk of flood-related disasters, advising residents, particularly those in low-lying and coastal areas, to begin relocating to safer zones.
The current flooding in Ogbaru is attributed to heavy rainfall, which caused the River Niger to overflow its banks, inundating residential buildings, farmlands, and key access roads in the affected communities.
In anticipation of the worsening situation, residents in areas yet to be severely affected such as Okpoko have begun the harvesting of their crops prematurely to avoid total loss.
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has activated emergency holding centres across flood-prone local government areas.
Residents of riverine communities, especially in Ogbaru, Anambra East, and Anambra West, have been urged to evacuate immediately and relocate to higher ground.
Governor Charles Soludo, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, is coordinating the state’s flood response in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Federal Government.
Dr. Ibezim, who chairs the State Flood Management Committee, disclosed that temporary shelters are being upgraded, and that the local government Chairmen (referred to as Mayors) are actively managing on-ground relief and coordination efforts.
He further noted that joint efforts between the state government and the UNDP include clearing blocked drainage systems, enforcing the Operation Clear Your Waterways initiative, and fast-tracking long-term plans to dredge the River Niger to reduce future flood risks.
Despite these interventions, affected residents have expressed frustration over the lack of immediate relief. Speaking to reporters, some villagers lamented that no government officials or aid agencies had yet visited their communities.
“All 15 out of the 16 communities in Ogbaru have been submerged, no one has come here to check on us,” “Maybe they’re on their way—but so far, we’ve seen no help.”one villager said.
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