NSCDC Urges Relocation from Flood-Prone Areas in Anambra Amid Looming Flood Threat

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command, has urged residents in flood-prone areas to relocate to safer locations due to imminent flooding predicted by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).

State Commandant Maku Olatunde issued the warning on Thursday after evaluating the readiness of the Command’s Disaster Management Unit. He emphasized that the advice forms part of proactive efforts to mitigate the impact of floods commonly associated with the rainy season.

According to Olatunde, the NSCDC has commenced a public enlightenment campaign, particularly targeting high-risk communities. The campaign is aimed at educating residents about the dangers of flooding and encouraging them to heed relocation advisories to prevent avoidable disasters.

“In line with our core responsibilities of disaster prevention, mitigation, and response, we strongly advise residents in flood-prone zones to move to higher ground,” Olatunde said.

He also disclosed that Deputy Commandant Nnadi Ngozi, head of the Disaster Management Unit, has been directed to deploy emergency personnel to vulnerable areas. These teams are to ramp up awareness through media campaigns and collaborate with traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders in managing the anticipated crisis.

Area commanders and divisional officers in high-risk local government areas — including Ayamelum, Anambra East, Anambra West, Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Awka North, and Ogbaru — have been instructed to implement immediate flood preparedness and evacuation strategies to ensure public safety.