Drowning of schoolchild: Anambra First Lady urges precautionary measures as flood continues to rise

The First Lady of Anambra State, Nonye Soludo, has urged residents across the state to take greater precautionary measures as flooding continues to affect some communities.

This is coming as schoolchildren commuting to school on Tuesday were rescued in a flooded area, leaving one child dead.

In a statement released in Awka, Mrs Soludo expressed concern over the rising flood situation and its potential impact on families, particularly residents living in flood-prone areas.

She advised everyone to remain vigilant, pay attention to weather and flood warnings, avoid crossing flooded roads and waterways, and relocate to safer areas whenever their homes or immediate surroundings become unsafe.

The First Lady said: “I call on Ndi Anambra to maintain clean surroundings and desist from dumping refuse into drainage channels. Blocked waterways can worsen flooding and pose serious risks to lives and property.

“I urge parents and guardians to keep children away from floodwaters, drainage channels, streams and other potentially dangerous areas during periods of heavy rainfall.”

The governor’s wife further stressed the need for increased community awareness and collective responsibility, noting that early action and responsible environmental practices can help reduce the risks associated with flooding.

She also encouraged residents to promptly report emergencies and other situations requiring urgent intervention to the appropriate authorities, while urging communities to look out for one another and respond quickly whenever floodwaters begin to rise.