The Senate has urgently called upon the Federal Government to deploy immediate emergency relief interventions to flood and erosion ravaged communities across Anambra, Imo, Ebonyi, and neighboring states.
The directive follows joint legislative motions sponsored by Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central), Senator Anthony Ani (Ebonyi South), and Senator Osita Izunaso (Imo West), which detailed the severe humanitarian and ecological emergencies gripping their constituencies.
Leading the debate, Senator Victor Umeh highlighted the catastrophic situation unfolding in areas such as Ogidi, Obosi, and Oko. He reported that severe torrents have triggered massive flooding and aggressive gully erosion, resulting in tragic casualties including a pregnant woman and a six year old child as well as the widespread displacement of local families. Senator Umeh cautioned that rapidly expanding gullies are currently threatening vital transport corridors, including key sections of the strategic Onitsha-Owerri Expressway, raising concerns over potential disruptions to interstate commerce and daily livelihoods.
Adding his voice to the discussion, Senator Anthony Ani emphasized the heavy economic toll in Ebonyi South, noting that overflowing waters have submerged farmlands, destroyed livestock, and wiped out livelihoods, deepening local hardship. Ani urged the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to promptly assess crop damages and provide direct relief to affected farmers.
Similarly, Senator Osita Izunaso drew attention to the ongoing threats posed by flooding and gully erosion across communities and roadways in Imo West, a persistent challenge he previously raised before the upper chamber in 2023. He stressed that without urgent coordinated drainage projects and road rehabilitation, residents, motorists, and pedestrians remain at continuous risk.
Following extensive deliberations, the Senate unanimously adopted the motions and issued the following directives:
Emergency Relief: The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has been ordered to immediately deliver food, medical supplies, and essential relief materials to displaced citizens.
Infrastructure Assessment: The Federal Ministries of Works and Environment are mandated to conduct rapid damage assessments, restore blocked access routes, and implement sustainable ecological control measures.
Legislative Oversight: The Senate committees on Environment, Works, Ecology, and Climate Change will conduct joint field inspections of the impacted regions and submit a comprehensive report within 30 days.
Before concluding the session, the lawmakers observed a minute of silence in honor of the lives lost to the natural disasters.
