The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and its counterparts in Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu states said they have set up machinery to respond to the impending floods in the zone.
The Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency had issued fresh warnings about possible flooding in about 19 states and called for preparedness to prevent the disaster.
In Anambra, the state government said it has set up about 16 holding centres for possible victims of flooding in the state.
Executive Secretary of Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (AnSEMA), Chief Paul Odenigbo, told NAN that the centres were located in Ogbaru, Aguleri and Ifite Ogwari in Anambra East and Ayamelum Local Government Areas.
Mr. Clement Ovuoba, Executive Secretary of the Ebonyi State Emergency Management Agency, said sensitisation campaigns and town hall meetings have begun to educate residents on flood mitigation best practices.
Ovuoba, represented by the Head of Administration, Mr Sunday Omoha, added that the public sensitisation featured raising awareness on flood risks, residents living in areas prone to flooding and near river lines should adhere advice to relocate to safer ground.
The Lagos State Government has visited the affected communities in Ikorodu in response to the flash flooding caused by more than 13 hours of intense rainfall.
It assured the affected residents of expedited efforts to complete critical drainage infrastructure in the area.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Mr Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, said the flooding was a result of a rare magnitude of rainfall intensified by climate change.
“The effects of climate change are real. The type of rainfall experienced earlier this week happens once in a decade.
“We are here to deliver Mr Governor’s message of sympathy and to assure residents that Lagos is not leaving them behind,” he said.
