Flood: Senate urges emergency interventions in Anambra, Imo, others

The Senate has urged the Federal Government to deploy urgent emergency interventions across flood-and erosion-ravaged communities in Anambra, Imo, Ebonyi, and neighboring states.

The red chamber’s action followed joint motions sponsored by Senator Victor Umeh (NDC, Anambra Central), Senator Anthony Ani (APC, Ebonyi South), and Senator Osita Izunaso (APC, Imo West), detailing the ongoing ecological disaster gripping their respective constituencies.

Leading the debate, Senator Victor Umeh highlighted the humanitarian and environmental crises unfolding in Ogidi, Obosi, and Oko. He revealed that heavy torrents had caused catastrophic flooding and expanding gully erosion, resulting in at least four casualties—including a pregnant woman and a six-year-old child—alongside the mass displacement of families.

Umeh warned that rapidly expanding gullies are threatening major transport arteries, including vital sections of the strategic Onitsha-Owerri Expressway, threatening to paralyse interstate commerce and daily livelihoods.

Supporting the motion, Senator Anthony Ani emphasised the devastating economic toll on Ebonyi South, where overflowing waters have swallowed farmland, destroyed livestock, and wiped out family valuables, further worsening local economic hardship. Ani called on the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to urgently assess crop damage and deliver immediate relief to affected farmers.

Senator Izunaso highlighted that flooding and severe gully erosion continue to threaten numerous communities and roadways across Imo West—a persistent disaster he previously brought to the Senate floor in 2023. He stressed that without coordinated drainage works and road rehabilitation, motorists and pedestrians remain in constant danger.

Following extensive contributions, the Senate adopted all prayers and directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to immediately deliver food, medical supplies, and relief materials to displaced residents.

The Senate also directed the Federal Ministries of Works and Environment to conduct rapid assessments, restore blocked access routes, and deploy long-term ecological control measures.

The Upper Chamber mandated the Senate committees on Environment, Works, Ecology, and Climate Change to conduct joint field inspections of the damaged areas and submit a comprehensive report within 30 days.

The lawmakers observed a minute of silence in memory of victims who lost their lives to the natural disasters.

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