Gov. Charles Soludo of Anambra State has said that his government will continue to do its best to reduce the negative effects of flood disaster in the state.
This is contained in a release signed by his press secretary, Mr Christian Aburime, on Saturday, October 8, 2022, in Awka, the state capital.
Soludo regretted the unfortunate boat mishap that occurred in Umunnankwo Community, in Ogbaru Council Area of the state.
He sympathised with the families of persons involved in the boat mishap.
The release disclosed that several interventions have been sent by government to various IDP camps within the state.
He promised that his government would continue to do its best to reduce the negative effects of the flood disaster.
The press release stated that it was gathered that tens of people are still unaccounted for in the unfortunate incident, though a thorough search is still ongoing.
However, reports had it that the boat occupants were on their way to Nkwo Ogbakuba when it capsised by Umunankwo Ossomala Bridge and over 10 persons drowned.
“This development is still a shock to the government and good people of Anambra State.”
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Anambra branch, has offered free medical services and relief materials to people displaced by flooding in the state.
Internally displaced persons (IDPs) as a result of flooding were given the medical services at Unity Hall Centre, Umueri, Anambra East Council Area.
The affected IDPs were from Nzam, Oroma-Etiti Anam, Mmiata Anam, Umueze Anam, and other communities in Anambra West.
The beneficiaries, numbering over 600, were checked and treated for blood pressure, blood sugar level, malaria and eye condition.There were also health talks on good hygiene and sanitation.
Addresing journalists, Dr Jane Ezeonu, the NMA State Chairman, said the visit was to check the people, provide clinical services and also give them some relief materials to make them comfortable.
Ezeonu commended the state government for its interventions, calling for urgent attention to find lasting solution as the camps were gradually becoming congested.
“The quantum of damage done by flood disaster could not be shouldered by the state government alone.
“As stakeholders, we want to ensure that these displaced persons do not lack basic needs, especially healthcare while in the camp.
“We will also ensure we follow up the health cases. We observed new cases of hypertension and anxiety-related conditions.
“We urge corporate organisations and kind-hearted individuals to assist with relief materials, medical facilities and palliatives to avert any impending outbreak of diseases in the camps,” she said.
Receiving the items, Mrs Maureen Nwakasi, Welfare Officer in charge of the holding centre, thanked the association for the medical services, including provision of drugs and other relief materials.
By Joy Mbachi and Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu
