The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), has intensified monitoring of the River Niger water level at the Onitsha River Port as part of ongoing efforts to detect emerging flood risks and strengthen preparedness.
The monitoring visit, conducted by the NEMA Enugu Operations Office at the Onitsha River Port, focused on assessing the prevailing water level of the River Niger and its potential implications for vulnerable riverine communities and critical infrastructure.
The exercise was carried out at the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) river gauge station along the River Niger to obtain timely hydrological information, track changes in water levels and identify possible signs of increasing flood risk.
Speaking during a meeting with the Area Manager of the NIWA Onitsha Area Office, Mr. Victor Nwokocha, the Head of NEMA Enugu Operations Office, Mrs. Priscilla Madukwe, said reliable hydrological information was essential for early warning, risk assessment, preparedness, contingency planning and coordinated disaster response.
She stressed the need for continuous monitoring and effective information sharing among relevant agencies, particularly during periods of heightened flood risk, noting that timely and accurate data would support informed decisions and appropriate preventive measures.
The engagement also provided an opportunity for NEMA, SEMA and NRCS to review available information on the River Niger water level and strengthen inter-agency coordination in preparation for possible flooding in vulnerable areas.
NEMA and its partners will continue to monitor developments along the River Niger and work with relevant stakeholders to strengthen early warning, preparedness and coordinated response measures for communities and critical infrastructure at risk.