By Salifu Faridat
In anticipation of potential flood disasters, the Anambra State Government has taken proactive measures by conducting training sessions for emergency management committees.
The objective of these workshops is to equip committee members with the necessary skills to effectively handle flood-related emergencies and mitigate potential disasters.
The training, held at the Anambra East headquarters in Otuocha on Saturday, was aimed at local emergency management committees and healthcare personnel from the state’s ten flood-prone local government areas.
Chief Paul Odenigbo, the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, underscored the importance of this training in light of projections by relevant agencies indicating that approximately 32 states across Nigeria, including Anambra, might experience floods.
Mrs. Rita Omega, an administrative officer in the agency, represented Chief Paul Odenigbo during the training. She emphasized that the agency’s efforts included comprehensive sensitization campaigns in all riverine areas.
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Residents were advised to be prepared to relocate to higher ground when called upon, with assurances that adequate arrangements had been made for their safety.
Representatives from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), including Mr. Kennedy Eke from the Enugu Zone, urged personnel and stakeholders in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant. Their role includes promptly notifying state and federal agencies about increases in water levels to facilitate appropriate responses.
Dr. Anselem Onuorah, the Transition Committee Chairman of Anambra East Local Government Area, highlighted that lessons from the 2022 flood incident were being applied to address shortcomings, particularly concerning hygiene and medical care for flood victims.
Plans are underway to engage volunteer health workers who will provide crucial services to vulnerable groups such as nursing mothers, pregnant women, children, and the elderly.
Mr. Hezekiah Samuel, Assistant Field Coordinator of the International Organization for Migration in Anambra State, stressed that the training’s primary purpose was to equip participants with the necessary knowledge to become effective first responders during flood emergencies within their communities.
As part of the training, a team from the Nigeria Red Cross Society demonstrated first responder actions for evacuating flood victims.
As Anambra State proactively prepares for potential flood challenges, these training initiatives aim to strengthen preparedness and response capabilities, ultimately safeguarding lives and minimizing the impact of potential flood disasters.
