By Ijeoma Agbafo
The governments of Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi states have intensified flood preparedness measures through public sensitisation, drainage clearance, emergency planning and evacuation arrangements to minimise the impact of flooding during the 2026 rainy season.
The three states said they had activated emergency response mechanisms following flood predictions, with Ebonyi placing emergency agencies on alert and identifying vulnerable communities for possible evacuation. The state also designated temporary shelters for displaced persons, while the State Emergency Management Agency intensified public awareness campaigns and flood control projects, including drainage construction, desilting of waterways and erosion control.
In Enugu, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has commenced statewide flood sensitisation campaigns in English and Igbo, reactivated Local Emergency Management Committees across the 17 local government areas and directed councils to prepare Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. The agency also plans to conduct flood simulation exercises with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other stakeholders to strengthen emergency response.
The Anambra State Government has declared a three-month state of emergency on flooding and erosion, mobilising residents to clear blocked drainages and waterways across communities. The government has also established emergency centres and 27 IDP holding centres in flood-prone areas, while enforcing environmental regulations aimed at reducing flooding and erosion.
Officials in the three states urged residents to avoid indiscriminate waste disposal, refrain from building on waterways and comply with early warning advisories. They said stronger collaboration between government agencies, community leaders and residents would be crucial to protecting lives, property and critical infrastructure throughout the rainy season.
