By Ndujihe Clifford Chiebuka
Flooding has severely impacted Anambra State, Nigeria, with at least 36 communities across four local government areas – Anambra West, Ayamelum, Anambra East, and Ogbaru – being submerged underwater. This devastating situation has left many residents homeless, particularly those who didn’t expect the flooding to occur this year.
Affected Areas:
- Anambra West
- Ayamelum
- Anambra East
- Ogbaru
According to residents, the flooding caught many off guard, despite warnings from the state government. “We thought the flood would not come this year because the usual period for flooding has passed,” said Prince Chris Okwuosa from Umuzu in Ogbaru local government area.
Response Efforts:
The state government, led by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, has been working to provide relief to affected communities. The Commissioner for Environment, Felix Odumegwu, attributed the late flooding to climate change, citing intense and prolonged rainfall as the primary cause.
Challenges Ahead:
The flood poses an increased risk for infectious disease outbreaks, including cholera, malaria, and typhoid fever. The affected communities face significant challenges in accessing healthcare, and the disruption of routine health services has exacerbated the situation.
Source: Vanguard News
