FOLLOWING the warning by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, NHSA, of an impending rise in River Niger’s water level, Delta, Kogi, Anambra, and Kwara states have activated their Internally Displaced Persons camps and put measures in place to mitigate the impact of the flooding.
According to the Director-General of NIHSA, Umar Mohammed, “Flood waters from Niger and Mali are expected to move gradually into Nigeria through Kebbi State.”
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The agency advised states and communities along the River Niger bank to be on high alert as the floodwaters are anticipated to peak towards the end of August and into September.
In Delta State, the Commissioner for Environment, Jamani Ejero, said the government had cleared waterways and encouraged people living in lowlands to relocate to safer places.
“We are visiting the areas, asking the people to relocate to upland and as well as clearing the waterways in a bid to control the volumes of the flood. We already have IDP camps but the flooding has yet to happen as predicted.”
In Kogi State, the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, Alhaji Muktar Atimah, said the government had directed the agency to monitor the situation and keep him informed about any development regarding the water level.
“As of today, the water level is 6.5, and we are monitoring it. Once it gets to 8 inches, we will start to evacuate those still in the low land to higher grounds. Already, all our 42 Internally Displaced Persons camps have been activated and fully functional to receive would-be displaced persons.”
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In Anambra State, the Commissioner for Information, Paul Nwosu, advised residents of riverine communities to be vigilant.
“The Anambra State Government hereby alerts Ndi Anambra to the rising water levels of the River Niger. Flood-prone local government areas such as Anambra East, Anambra West, Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Awka North, Ihiala, and Ogbaru are advised to be on the alert.”He said.
