x

Anambra Farmers Harvest Crops Early in Anticipation of Impending Flood

Farmers in Anambra State have begun harvesting their crops earlier than usual to avoid losses from an impending flood as the River Niger’s water levels rise due to upstream activities from neighboring countries.

Reports indicate that many farmlands in riverine and flood-prone areas of the state are already submerged due to continuous rainfall.

Chief Paul Odenigbo, the Executive Secretary of the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), provided an update on the situation on Tuesday. He warned that the water levels are increasing and could rise further due to activities in nearby countries. Odenigbo urged residents in riverine areas to be prepared to evacuate to higher ground when water levels rise.

He also pointed out that dredging the rivers or constructing dams by the Federal Government is the only permanent solution to the annual flooding crisis.

“The Anambra State Government has made necessary arrangements through the flood response committee, headed by the deputy governor, to ensure that those displaced by the flood will be adequately cared for during their stay in camps,” Odenigbo said.

SEMA has already begun cleaning and fumigating holding camps across the state to make them habitable for those likely to be displaced by the flood. Odenigbo praised the support from the Federal Government, particularly through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), but emphasized the need for further action, including damage assessment to ensure proper evaluation of the flood’s impact.

Designated internally displaced persons (IDP) camps have been set up in various locations, including Ayamelum, Anambra East, Ogbaru, Onitsha South, Onitsha North, Awka North, Ihiala, and Ekwusigo local government areas.

The Anambra State Government has warned that about 10 out of the state’s 21 local government areas may be affected by the impending flood. Commissioner for Information, Sir Paul Nwosu, listed flood-prone areas such as Anambra East, Anambra West, Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Awka North, Ihiala, Ayamelum, and Ogbaru. He advised residents in these areas to remain vigilant and prepare to relocate to safer grounds.

In separate interviews, residents and farmers from riverine communities confirmed that they have begun evacuating their produce as the River Niger’s water level continues to rise.

Ifeoma Nlebem, a resident of Ogbaru, a community close to the River Niger, said, “We have noticed that the water level is rising, and as predominantly farmers, we have started harvesting crops that are ready to avoid destruction.”

Hot this week

Ex-Liverpool Star Explains Why Arsenal Won’t Win the Premier League This Season

Arsenal’s blistering start to the season has reignited hopes...

New Kogi Police Commissioner, CP Kankarofi, Seeks Public Cooperation to Tackle Crime

By Noah Ocheni, LokojaThe newly appointed Commissioner of Police...

Benue, Enugu Police Commands Strengthen Collaboration to Curb Interstate Crimes

By Isaac Kertyo, MakurdiThe Commissioners of Police in Benue...

NIPR Institutes Annual PRICE Awards, Fixes 7th December for the Ceremony

PRESS RELEASEThe Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR)...

The State of Education and Youth Development in Delta State

By High Chief Sheriff George Mulade T. 400-Level International Relations...

Ethiopia and Eritrea: Lessons from a Long Road to Peace

After gaining independence in 1993, Eritrea and Ethiopia initially...

Bandits Kill HEKAN Clergyman, Abduct Over 20 Worshippers in Kaduna Attack

By Achadu Gabriel, KadunaArmed bandits have once again attacked...

Two in Five Girls in Kogi Suffer Sexual Abuse — NGO

By Noah Ocheni, LokojaThe Executive Director of Protect the...

CP Kankarofi Assumes Duty in Kogi, Seeks Citizens’ Cooperation to Tackle Crime

By Noah Ocheni, LokojaThe new Commissioner of Police in...

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img