NEMA Warns Anambra Riverine Communities Over Rising River Niger Water Level
By Chinyere Nwoye
The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, has urged residents of riverine communities in Anambra State to remain vigilant and prepare to relocate to higher grounds if the water level of the River Niger rises beyond the safe threshold.
The Head of NEMA’s Enugu Operations Office, Mrs. Priscilla Madukwe, gave the warning on September 4 during a monitoring visit to the National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, where officials inspected the River Niger water gauge.
Madukwe said the water level was gradually rising but remained within the safe limit at the time of the assessment.
She explained that the monitoring exercise was part of proactive measures by NEMA and its partners to detect possible flood risks early and provide timely warnings to vulnerable communities.
According to her, NEMA, in collaboration with the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, and the Nigerian Red Cross Society, would continue monitoring the river and assessing the situation in flood prone areas.
Madukwe urged residents living close to the River Niger and other vulnerable locations to pay attention to official alerts and be prepared to move to safer areas whenever necessary.
She stressed that residents should not wait until floodwaters enter their homes before taking precautionary measures, noting that early preparation remains critical to reducing the impact of flooding.
The NEMA official assured residents that the relevant agencies would continue monitoring the River Niger and provide updates if there are significant changes in the water level.
She also appealed for calm, vigilance and cooperation with emergency management authorities to ensure timely and effective response should the situation deteriorate.
