Nonye Soludo Urges Anambra Residents to Relocate Amid Flooding

The First Lady of Anambra State, Dr Nonye Soludo, has urged residents living in flood-prone communities to remain vigilant and relocate to safer areas as flooding continues to affect parts of the state.

Soludo expressed concern over the impact of the worsening flooding on families, particularly those living in vulnerable communities, and appealed to residents to take precautionary measures before conditions become dangerous.

“As a mother, my heart goes out to the families affected. Please, if you live in a flood-prone area in Anambra, stay vigilant and relocate to a safer location before the situation becomes dangerous,” she said.

She advised residents to pay attention to weather and flood warnings, avoid crossing flooded roads and waterways, and move to safer locations whenever their homes or immediate surroundings become unsafe.

The First Lady also urged residents to keep their surroundings clean and stop dumping refuse into drainage channels, warning that blocked waterways could worsen flooding and increase the risks to lives and property.

Parents and guardians were particularly advised to keep children away from floodwaters, drainage channels, streams and other potentially dangerous areas during periods of heavy rainfall.

Her warning comes amid renewed flooding in parts of Anambra following heavy rainfall. The state government had earlier issued a flood alert after the Nigerian Meteorological Agency identified Anambra among states likely to experience above-normal flooding this year. Residents were advised to avoid unnecessary movement during heavy downpours and relocate from flood-prone areas where necessary.

The flooding has also triggered emergency response operations in parts of Awka. At Ring Road, Nibo, several schoolchildren were rescued after floodwaters trapped a vehicle, while emergency agencies continued assessments of affected areas.

The National Emergency Management Agency has similarly urged residents in flood-prone and riverine communities to remain vigilant and be prepared to move to higher ground when necessary, particularly as water levels continue to rise in parts of the state.

Soludo also encouraged residents to report emergencies promptly to the relevant authorities and urged communities to look out for one another whenever floodwaters begin to rise.

She commiserated with families and communities severely affected by the flooding, stressing that early action, preparedness and responsible environmental practices were essential to protecting lives and reducing flood-related losses.