Many victims of the flood disaster that has afflicted Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, South East Nigeria, are resisting attempts by the state government to evacuate them to safety.

This was disclosed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Oseloka H. Obaze, who lamented the “fast deteriorating flood disaster situation in Ogbaru.”

Obaze in a memo sent yesterday to members of the State Executive Council noted that the flood disaster arising from the overflow of River Niger has “placed people at greater risk, given the reluctance of many to leave their homesteads.”

The SSG informed his colleagues that in view of “the risk of losing access to the Atani road, having already lost access through the Atani-ozubulu road,” Governor Peter Obi had decided that those willing to go to the rehabilitation cams set up by his administration must be evacuated immediately.

“HE (His Excellency) will personally lead the operations to be carried out by SEMA (State Emergency Management Agency), police, Army and Navy personnel. The evacuees will be taken to the army barracks in the first instance,” Obaze stated.

News Express reports that Governor Obi has been in the forefront of the rescue operations, even wading through the flood early yesterday morning to personally assess the situation and address victims of the flood.

*Photo: Governor Peter Obi (second right) wading through the flood on his way to visit Ogbaru flood victims.