By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu
The Deputy Governor of Anambra, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, has urged the Federal Government to construct dams and dredge rivers across the country to curb the devastating effects of flooding.
Ibezim made the call on Friday in Awka at a stakeholders’ engagement and flag-off of the 2026 National Preparedness and Response Campaign on Flood Disaster and Related Hazards.
The engagement was organised by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
He also assured residents that the state had strengthened its emergency response systems ahead of the 2026 rainy season.
“Flooding is a recurring emergency that has become a yearly challenge.
“The federal government should consider the construction of dams and dredging of rivers across the country to significantly reduce its impact,” he said.
Ibezim noted that the administration of Gov. Chukwuma Soludo had recorded “almost zero mortality” from flood disasters due to proactive planning, early warning systems and coordinated emergency response.
He also urged emergency responders to prioritise their safety during rescue operations, while commending ongoing efforts in flood-prone areas of the state.
In her keyote address, the Director-General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, called for collective action to address flooding and other disaster risks as the 2026 rainy season progressed.
Umar, represented by the Enugu Zonal Coordinator of NEMA, Mr Wilson Brandon, stressed the need for early and coordinated action.
She noted that NEMA had developed a 2026 Climate-Related Risk Management, Preparedness and Mitigation Framework to reduce the impact of flood nationwide.
“The framework includes capacity building for local responders, simulation exercises, strict adherence to rainfall and flood advisories.
“Others are positioning of relief materials in vulnerable areas, infrastructure integrity assessments and community evacuation planning.
“Preventing avoidable flood disasters requires inclusiveness, community participation and shared responsibility. Disaster management is everyone’s business,” she said.
She expressed optimism that the engagement in Awka would strengthen national preparedness and reduce the impact of recurring floods in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Anambra East Local Government Area, Mr Ifeanyi Chinweze, said the council had commenced desilting of drainage channels to improve water flow and reduce flooding.
His counterpart in Ogbaru Local Government Area, Mr Kenneth Akwauobi, appealed to the federal and state governments to provide logistics support to enhance emergency response and relief operations in affected communities.
In her remarks, Mrs Ndidi Omega, Deputy Director, Administration, Anambra State Emergency Management Agency, urged residents of riverine communities to remain vigilant during the rainy season.
She advised them to relocate promptly to safer areas whenever water levels begin to rise to avoid flood-related losses.(NAN) www.nannews.ng