Dr Amaka Onubogu, President, Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Anambra Chapter, has called on governments at all levels to declare state of emergency on flooding.
Onubogu said that governments need to make permanent and adequate plans to cushion effect of flooding in the country by setting aside enough funds to manage the menace.
The call is contained in a press release, signed by Anambra secretary of MWAN, Dr. Onyinye Nwazor, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Awka.
The press release said that MWAN has sent in their Support for Anambra Flood at Igwe’s palace, Ohita, Ogbaru Local Government Area, Anambra state.
Onubogu called on the government to construct more dams in strategic places to ensure that existing ones are in good shape.
She said that there is need to regularly dredge River Niger and construct more drainage channels around all waterways across the country.
She warned communities to desist from acts that could contribute to blockage of water ways such as dumping of refuse in drainage channels and making constructions over such water channels.
They were also encouraged to heed warnings on impending flood to forestall heavy losses of lives and property.
The MWAN team visited with gift items of rice, milk, cereals, biscuits, beverages, soap, sanitary pads, noodles, insecticide treated nets, beddings, children and adult clothing and foot wears which were shared to all present.
The release said that the MWAN Anambra president empathised with the women on their losses and sufferings and encouraged them not to lose hope.
She also encouraged the women to do their best in taking care of their children, as well as supporting their husbands at all times.
Onubogu counselled breastfeeding mothers on the benefits of breastfeeding and advised on the benefits of optimising breastfeeding at all times. (NAN
