The Anambra State Police Command has warned parents, guardians, schools and transport operators to heighten vigilance and prioritise the safety of schoolchildren amid heavy rainfall and flooding across parts of the state.
The warning followed the death of a school pupil in a recent flooding incident, prompting the command to urge residents to take extra precautions whenever severe weather creates hazardous conditions.
In an advisory issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the command cautioned parents and guardians against allowing children to travel through flooded roads, bridges, drainage channels and waterways.
The police warned that floodwater could conceal open drains, erosion channels, culverts and other hazards, stressing that children should never be permitted to cross flooded areas, even where the water appeared shallow or the route was familiar.
The command also urged parents to closely supervise schoolchildren before, during and after school hours, particularly in communities prone to flooding.
It advised parents to maintain direct communication with schools and transport providers during severe weather and confirm the safety and location of their children before they begin their journey home.
According to the command, children should be taught to stay away from floodwater, drainage channels, rivers, culverts and construction sites, and move immediately to elevated and safer locations whenever flooding begins.
The police further advised parents to prioritise safety over punctuality, warning that children, school bus operators and drivers should not be pressured to use flooded or unsafe routes.
The command also appealed to motorists, school bus operators and other transporters conveying children to exercise extreme caution during rainfall and discontinue movement whenever road conditions become dangerous.
It urged residents to promptly alert the police and other emergency responders whenever a child or any other person is missing, stranded or endangered by flooding.
The command said it was continuing to work with schools, communities and other stakeholders through its Safe School initiatives and community policing structures to strengthen the protection of children across the state.
“If the road is flooded, do not take the risk. Turn back and seek a safer route,” the command advised.
