By Praise Chinecherem
Residents of Onitsha, Anambra State, including those doing businesses along the bank of River Niger have been advised to relocate to safer grounds ahead of 2023 flood desaster.
President-General of Onitsha, Sir Chike Ekweogwu who gave the advise weekend at the palace of Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, said the call was necessary to avert calamities associated with the deluge.
He specifically mentioned Bridge Head market, building materials market and other markets, as well as residential buildings on the bank of the River Niger as worst hit during flooding.
“Both residents and traders need to find refuge in upland areas early enough to avert obvious calamities that accompany flood,” he said.
According to him, the understanding reached between Nigerian government and that of Cameroon of gradual release of its Dam to avoid excessive flooding in nearby countries did not mitigate cases of flooding.
“Athough Federal Government had reached an understanding with the Government of Cameroon to release its Dam in bits to avoid excessive flooding in nearby countries, the coming of the flood has not been completely ruled out.
“Massive sensitisations and public enlightenments have been carried out to advise those close to the River Niger to make contingency plans and relocate for their own safety rather than wait for the flood to come before they take action,” he added.
