The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has advised residents of riverine communities across Anambra State to remain vigilant and be prepared to relocate to higher ground as the water level of the River Niger continues to rise.
NEMA issued the warning after officials, alongside the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the Nigerian Red Cross Society, inspected the River Niger water level in Onitsha to assess the potential risk of flooding.
The Head of NEMA’s Enugu Operations Office, Priscilla Madukwe, said the water level was gradually rising but remained within the safe limit at the time of the assessment.
Madukwe urged residents and other stakeholders to remain alert and avoid activities that could increase the risk of flooding in vulnerable communities.
She said regular monitoring of the River Niger water gauge was necessary to provide early warning and enable emergency management authorities to respond before the situation becomes critical.
NEMA particularly advised people living close to the River Niger and other flood-prone areas to pay attention to official information and be ready to move to safer locations if necessary.
The agency stressed that residents should not wait until floodwaters enter their homes or communities before taking precautionary measures.
According to NEMA, information gathered from the monitoring exercise would assist the agency, SEMA, the Nigerian Red Cross and other stakeholders in strengthening their preparedness plans and making timely decisions if the river rises beyond the established safe threshold.
The agency also appealed to residents to remain calm and vigilant, cooperate with emergency authorities and take necessary precautions to protect lives and property.
