In a devastating turn of events, floodwaters have submerged 36 communities across four local government areas in Anambra State, leaving many residents displaced and homeless. The affected areas include Anambra West, Ayamelum, parts of Anambra East, and Ogbaru. This year’s flood, which has hit later than usual, has caught many off guard, despite early warnings from the state government.
The Anambra State government, led by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, had been warning residents, especially those in riverine areas, to relocate to safer zones to avoid the devastating effects of flooding. However, despite these precautions, many residents were unprepared when the floods came. For some, it was a sudden and shocking event. Many had believed that the flooding would not occur this year, as the usual rainy season had passed.
One such resident, Mrs. Comfort Okonkwo, shared her experience of fleeing with her family to Otuocha after their home was inundated. A farmer in Anambra West, she had already harvested her crops in anticipation of potential flooding, which helped minimize the damage to her livelihood. We thought the floods were behind us, but they came late this year, she lamented.
In communities like Mmiata Anam, Ukwala, and other areas in Anambra East and West, farmers took precautionary measures, harvesting their crops early to avoid being caught off guard. Yet, for many, the late flooding came as a cruel reminder of the unpredictability of nature.
In Ogbaru, Prince Chris Okwuosa, a resident from Umuzu, expressed the collective disbelief that the floodwaters had arrived so late. We thought the flood would not come this year. By now, the flood should have receded, but it is coming late, he said, echoing the sentiments of many others in the region who were blindsided by the flooding.
Similarly, Sir Michael Chukwusa, President General of Akili Ogidi Community in Ogbaru, described how eight towns, including Atani, Ochuche, Ogwuikpele, Ogwuaniocha, and Akili Ogidi, had already been submerged, forcing residents to relocate to higher ground. The floodwaters have been relentless, and many of our people are now living in temporary shelters, he said.
The late flooding this year has been attributed to climate change, with Anambra’s Commissioner for Environment, Felix Odumegwu, pointing out that the intense and prolonged rainfall this season has been unusual. He noted that the global climate crisis has had a noticeable impact on weather patterns, with severe weather events, including flash floods, becoming more frequent around the world.
Flooding occurs due to intense, prolonged rainfall, Odumegwu explained. This year’s late flooding is linked to climate change, which has altered the usual rainfall patterns.
Across the globe, cities like Valencia in Spain, various parts of Italy, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and the United States have all experienced similar extreme weather conditions that have led to flash flooding. This growing trend underscores the urgent need for more robust climate action and preparedness strategies, particularly in vulnerable regions like Anambra.
The recent floods in Anambra serve as a stark reminder of the increasing unpredictability of weather patterns and the need for better climate change adaptation strategies. Local authorities, residents, and rights groups are calling for more effective engagement with the public on environmental laws and policies, particularly those aimed at mitigating the effects of flooding and other climate-related disasters.
Residents are urged to pay more attention to flood alerts and relocate to higher grounds when necessary. In addition, the government is being called upon to implement stronger flood control measures, improve early warning systems, and provide support for displaced communities.
As Anambra State continues to grapple with the aftermath of the floods, it is clear that the time for complacency is over. Climate change is real, and its impacts are already being felt. It is crucial that both the government and the people of Nigeria take proactive steps to address the environmental challenges ahead, ensuring a more resilient future for all.