LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has warned residents living in riverine communities across Anambra State to prepare for possible flooding and move to higher ground when necessary as the water level of the River Niger gradually rises.
NEMA, working with the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the Nigerian Red Cross Society, inspected the river gauge at the National Inland Waterways Authority in Onitsha on Friday to assess the situation and strengthen flood preparedness.
Speaking during the monitoring exercise, Head of NEMA’s Enugu Operations Office, Priscilla Madukwe, said the River Niger was gradually rising but remained within the safe limit at the time of the assessment.
“The water level of the River Niger is gradually rising, although it has remained within the safe limit at the time of the assessment,” Madukwe said.
She urged residents and other stakeholders to stay vigilant and avoid activities that could worsen flooding risks in vulnerable communities.
According to her, the monitoring exercise is part of efforts to track changes in the river and provide early warnings to communities that could be affected if the water level continues to increase.
Madukwe stressed that regular checks of the water gauge were important because early information could help emergency agencies identify possible threats and activate response measures before conditions become critical.
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She particularly advised people living close to the River Niger and other flood-prone areas to follow official updates and be prepared to relocate when necessary.
The NEMA official also warned residents not to wait until floodwaters reach their homes before taking precautions, stressing that early preparation could reduce the impact of flooding.
She stated that information gathered from the exercise would help NEMA, SEMA, the Nigerian Red Cross Society and other stakeholders improve their emergency plans and make timely decisions if the river rises beyond the safe threshold.
“We appeal to residents to remain calm but vigilant, cooperate with emergency management authorities and take necessary precautionary measures,” Madukwe added.
She added that relevant agencies would continue monitoring the River Niger and provide updates if significant changes were recorded.
Residents in vulnerable communities are therefore being encouraged to treat official flood alerts seriously and prepare early while the river remains within its current safe level.
