By Ifeanyi Nwegbo
The Onitsha North Local Government Area has intensified flood prevention measures following a Sept. 4 warning by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) over rising water levels in the River Niger.
The NEMA warning was issued by Mrs. Priscilla Madukwe, Head of the agency’s Enugu Operations Office, during a monitoring visit to the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) in Onitsha.
Madukwe said the River Niger was gradually rising, although the water level was still within the safe limit at the time, and advised riverine communities to prepare for possible flooding.
Against the backdrop of the advisory, the Mayor of Onitsha North LGA, Hon. Nweze Tony Nwora, said the council had intensified the clearing and desilting of drainage channels across the area to facilitate the free flow of stormwater and reduce the risk of flooding in vulnerable communities.
Nwora said the council was also mapping and monitoring riverine communities and islands within the LGA to enable prompt response and facilitate temporary relocation to safer areas should the water level continue to rise.
He urged residents, particularly those living or trading along the banks of the River Niger, to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions against possible flooding.
The mayor advised residents to keep essential documents and valuables ready for easy movement, avoid flooded routes during heavy rainfall and clear blocked drainage channels around their homes and business premises.
He also urged residents to heed flood warnings and safety advisories issued by NEMA and the local government.
“The safety of our people remains our priority. We are taking steps to prevent flooding, but community cooperation is key.
“Please stay alert, stay safe and heed official warnings,” Nwora said.
He assured residents that the council would continue to monitor the situation and take measures to protect communities within Onitsha North throughout the rainy season.
Ifeanyi Nwegbo is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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