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The Anambra State government has commenced the immediate evacuation of residents in riverine communities affected by rising floodwaters due to increasing water levels in the Niger and Benue Rivers over the past few days.
Communities already experiencing significant flooding include those in Ogbaru, Anambra West, and Ayamelum local government areas. A visit to the Atani community in Ogbaru by our correspondent on Friday revealed that flooding had brought all activities to a halt.

Paul Odenigbo, Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), informed journalists in Awka on Friday that the floods reached the communities on Wednesday. He assured that the state government has deployed resources to help relocate affected residents to safer areas and address the impacts of the ongoing heavy rains.
“In certain local governments, plans have been finalized to deploy boats for evacuating more than 3,000 people who are ready to move to higher ground,” Odenigbo said.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo has provided essential supplies, including blankets, mattresses, buckets, and soaps, to relief camps in Ogbaru, Anambra West, and Ayamelum to ensure the comfort of evacuees during their stay. The camps are equipped with necessary facilities like water supply and other logistics.
Odenigbo also urged residents to follow evacuation warnings and bring along important items such as certificates, documents, and medications while moving to the camps.
On Thursday, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency issued a fresh alert, urging communities along the coastal areas to relocate immediately as the floodwaters continue to rise.