From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has issued a flood evacuation notice to residents in Ogboru, Edeakamaya, and 26 other villages in the Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.
Already, floodwaters have encroached into residential areas, with visible signs of submergence already affecting parts of the communities.
Other villages within Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area include Olutu, Ipo, Eze Abacheke, Deyezegbe, Ogbede, Okishipai, and 27 villages along the waterfront in the Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State.
The warning was shared via NEMA’s official X handle on Tuesday night after a flood assessment in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, following alerts from residents over rising floodwaters threatening communities.
NEMA’s Assistant Chief Search and Rescue Officer, Mr Innocent Nweze, alongside officials of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Owerri Station, and representatives of the traditional ruler, visited affected parts of the Abacheke community in the Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area and observed that floodwaters had steadily encroached into residential areas, with visible signs of submergence already affecting parts of the community.
Nweze warned that with current water levels and seasonal projections, the likelihood of more severe flooding in the coming weeks remains high and that community vigilance is critical.
He said: “Local farmers have commenced early harvesting of crops, many of which are not fully matured, in a desperate attempt to salvage what they could before the floods destroy their farmlands.
“In Ogboru village, several areas have already been inundated, affecting key infrastructure, including Abacheke Primary Health Centre, religious institutions (notably The Apostolic Church), Salzan Industries, and Community Primary School (already shut down in anticipation of the flooding).
Nweze added: “We urged residents of the 28 flood-prone villages, including Ogboru, Edeakamaya, Olutu, Ipo, Eze Abacheke, Deyezegbe, Ogbede, and Okishipai, to prepare for possible evacuation to higher and safer grounds.
“With current water levels and seasonal projections, the likelihood of more severe flooding in the coming weeks remains high, and community vigilance is critical.”
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