A man whose identity is yet to be ascertained was swept away by floods on Tuesday at the Oye market in the Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The body of the victim, described as a stout man by some people in the market, was still missing as of the time of filing the report on Wednesday.
A source who spoke with our correspondent on condition of anonymity said the man mistakenly stepped into a drainage at the front of the market during a downpour and was carried away by the flood.
The source said that the man was swept away by a flood at Nimo Market; the body is yet to be seen.
“It happened when it was raining in the area. The man unknowingly stepped inside the drainage at the market, and the flood carried him away.
“So far, no news about the man. Nobody had revealed the identity of the man. Those who were around when the incident happened said they didn’t know the man and had no news about where he was.
Meanwhile, the State government has urged people residing within the flood-prone areas of the state to take appropriate steps in view of impending flooding so as to save lives and properties.
According to a statement released by Christian Aburime, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Anambra State, it is time to take proactive measures and be fully alert!
The statement read,
“As the annual release of excess water from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam is upon us, there is a looming threat of severe flooding that could endanger lives, homes, and livelihoods in vulnerable areas in Nigeria.
“It is crucial to be aware, informed, and prepared in the face of this potential disaster.
“According to the National Emergency Management Agency, the Cameroon authorities have lately issued their annual dam water release alert, and no fewer than 11 states, including Anambra, Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Cross River, are likely to feel the negative impacts of the opening of the dam.
“The Lagdo Dam, located in Cameroon, annually releases excess water to manage its reservoir levels during the rainy season, as we are in now.
“This discharge often leads to an increase in the water levels of the Benue River and its tributaries, which could subsequently lead to devastating floods in adjacent downstream areas, including Anambra State.
Last year’s catastrophic incident served as a painful reminder of the destructive power of these floods, as many communities in our state experienced unprecedented destruction and losses.
“Naturally, the safety of Ndi Anambra, under the able leadership of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo CFR, is of paramount importance at all times.
“In order to avert a recurrence of last year’s disaster and in preparation for this year’s flood event, the government has taken proactive measures to mitigate the impact of potential flooding.
“To this end, a special flood committee led by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, has since set in motion the contingency plans and risk management mechanisms.
“Already, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has sent early warnings to all the people living in riverside and flood-prone areas to immediately relocate to the safe Internally Displaced People (IDP) camps provided by Governor Charles Soludo.
“Specifically, Ndi Anambra residing in usually affected local government areas such as Ogbaru, Ayamelum, Anambra East and West, Onitsha North and South, Awka North, Idemmili South, Ekwusigo, and Ihiala have been duly advised to relocate without further delay.
“Our elderly citizens, women, and children are to be especially helped to move to the safer IDP camps, along with their properly secured assets, household items, farm produce, livestock, and so on.
“Also, the sensitisation and creation of awareness are in full swing as the Transition Council chairmen in affected LGAs have been mandated to link up with all the churches, markets, and other high concentration points within the flood-prone areas to dispense the right information.
“And the state Ministry of Information is also broadcasting the impending flood alert on appropriate media channels.
“Meanwhile, as the evacuation of affected residents takes off, flood plains are seriously being watched to monitor the levels of water rise and also to sound the alarm once the rise becomes critical.
“It is very imperative for those living in flood-prone areas to follow evacuation orders without delay.
“And should there be a need for emergency services when the flood arrives, the state’s emergency response teams are on high alert and are equipped to provide immediate assistance in case of flooding.
“The response teams will promptly handle various situations and provide support to affected individuals and communities.
“As responsible and vigilant citizens, our cooperation is most crucial at this time in averting a disaster.
“Ndi Anambra are advised to keep calm and stay updated with accurate information from official sources to avoid misinformation and confusion.
“Families are to be supportive of one another, while communities and neighbours should work together to offer assistance to those in need of evacuating or preparing for the flood.
“In all, let us all remember the lessons learned from the devastating floods of last year and take proactive measures now to ensure the safety of ourselves, our families, our livelihoods, our property, and our communities.
“By staying informed, cooperating with government efforts, and acting responsibly, we can collectively overcome this challenge and minimise the impact of the impending flood.
“And Ndi Anambra can be rest assured that the Anambra State Government under Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo remains committed to their safety and well-being at all times!.
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