The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has issued a dire evacuation alert to residents of Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, warning that communities face imminent danger as rising floodwaters threaten lives, homes, and livelihoods.
The alert follows a joint flood assessment mission by NEMA and the Federal Fire Service, Owerri Station, after residents raised alarm over unusual water levels across villages in the oil-rich area.
In a statement posted Tuesday on its official X (formerly Twitter) account and seen by INNONEWS, NEMA confirmed that floodwaters were advancing rapidly, encroaching on homes, infrastructure, and farmlands across multiple communities.
“The joint team, led by Assistant Chief Search and Rescue Officer, Mr. Nweze Innocent, visited affected parts of the Abacheke community,”
“Accompanied by the Secretary to the Traditional Ruler, Mr. Nwabuchi Eminent, the team observed that floodwaters were steadily encroaching into residential areas, with visible signs of submergence already affecting parts of the community.” the statement read.
NEMA revealed that desperate residents—especially farmers—have resorted to harvesting crops prematurely in a frantic bid to salvage what remains before full submergence sets in.
The agency described the situation as “alarming.”
“It was also observed that local farmers had commenced early harvesting of crops—many of which are not fully mature—in a desperate attempt to salvage what they could before the floods destroy their farmlands,” the statement said.
In Ogboru village, floodwaters have already inundated critical infrastructure, including the Abacheke Primary Health Centre, The Apostolic Church, Salzan Industries, and the Community Primary School, which has been shut down in anticipation of worse conditions.
The situation is no different in Udekpunata village, where both residential areas and farmlands are already submerged.
According to NEMA, the growing water levels and current seasonal projections signal a clear risk of escalation in the coming weeks.
Mr. Nweze warned residents of 28 flood-prone villages—such as Ogboru, Edeakamaya, Olutu, Ipo, Eze Abacheke, Deyezegbe, Ogbede, and Okishipai—to prepare for evacuation to higher and safer ground.
“Community vigilance is critical. The danger is real, and further flooding is very likely,” he said.
Recalling the devastation of the 2022 floods, Mr. Nwabuchi noted that entire communities were submerged, prompting the setup of an IDP camp in Ogboru.
“We have intensified sensitisation—discouraging buildings on waterways, improving environmental sanitation, and urging everyone to stay alert for immediate evacuation if necessary,” he told the NEMA team.
