The Anambra State Government has set up 28 centres for those who may be displaced as a result of flooding in the state.

It was gathered that the measure was occasioned by earlier predictions by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency that heavy rainfall could be accompanied by great flooding in some parts of the state.

A statement by the state government indicated that the centres would be in eight local government areas of Awka North, Onitsha North and South, Ayamelum, Anambra East; Ogbaru; Ihiala and Ekwusigo.

“The centres, mainly schools, medical facilities, Church premises and LG headquarters are meant to provide temporary shelters for displaced people in flood-prone areas,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, following reported cases of loss of lives from flood drowning and property damage, the Anambra State Police Command has urged road users in the state to apply caution while driving on flood-prone areas.

A statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, ASP Haruna Mohammed advised residents to play safe whenever they meet with such situation.

The statement reads in part: “Recall that on the 25/7/2018 at about 0900hrs, the command received a distress call that one milk colour Peugeot 504 saloon car with four occupants was washed away by downpour and submerged in a flood along Nise road by City Landmark Hotel Amawbia.

“Following the report, police patrol team attached to Central Police Station Awka rushed to the scene on rescue operations and with the assistance of the community, three male occupants of the vehicle were rescued alive while a girl of about thirteen years old was said to be taken away by the flood inside the car.

“Preliminary investigation so far revealed the identities of the three surviving victims as Elder Ejike Anadebe, Ogu Ebuka and, Emmanuel Samuel all of Zion Pillar Church Adabebe in Amawbia.”

According to Mohammed, on recovery, after the vehicle was recovered from the flood, one thirteen years Ebube Samuel, a female of the same address was found inside the car and was rushed to the hospital where she was confirmed dead by medical doctors on arrival.

The statement added: “The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, Garba Baba Umar has commiserated with the victims' family on behalf of the State Command and urged other road users to take extra precautions to secure their lives first whenever they are faced with similar situation due to heavy downpour the state is experiencing of recent.”

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