NEMA warns Anambra riverine communities to prepare for flooding

The National Emergency Management Agency has warned residents of riverine communities across Anambra State to remain vigilant and be prepared to relocate to higher ground following the rising water level of the River Niger.

NEMA, in collaboration with the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency and the Nigerian Red Cross Society, inspected the water level of the River Niger as part of ongoing efforts to assess the flood situation and strengthen disaster preparedness in the state.

The Head of NEMA’s Enugu Operations Office, Priscilla Madukwe, gave the warning during a monitoring visit to the National Inland Waterways Authority, Onitsha, on Friday, where the team inspected the water gauge of the River Niger to ascertain its current water level and assess the possibility of flooding in vulnerable riverine communities.

Madukwe said, “The water level of the River Niger is gradually rising, although it has remained within the safe limit at the time of the assessment.

“We urged residents and relevant stakeholders to remain alert and avoid activities that could increase the risk of flooding in vulnerable communities.

“The monitoring exercise is part of proactive measures by NEMA and its partners to track developments around the River Niger and provide early warning information to communities that could be affected if the water level continues to rise.”

She stressed that regular monitoring of the water gauge was essential because timely information on rising water levels would enable emergency management authorities to identify potential threats early and activate appropriate response mechanisms before the situation became critical.

Madukwe urged residents of riverine communities, particularly those living close to the River Niger and other flood-prone areas, to pay attention to official information from emergency management authorities and be ready to move to safer locations whenever necessary.

She emphasised that early preparedness was crucial to reducing the impact of disasters, urging residents not to wait until floodwaters entered their homes or communities before taking precautionary measures.

“Information gathered during the monitoring exercise would assist NEMA, SEMA, the Nigerian Red Cross Society and other stakeholders in strengthening their preparedness plans and making timely decisions should the water level rise beyond the established safe threshold.

“We appeal to residents to remain calm but vigilant, cooperate with emergency management authorities and take necessary precautionary measures.

“Members of the public are assured that relevant agencies would continue to monitor the River Niger closely and provide updates whenever significant changes were observed,” she added.