WRITTEN BY KENECHUKWU OFOMAH
Governor Willie Obiano has called on residents of riverine areas of the State to immediately move to designated high grounds to avoid being caught up with the coming flood.

Governor Obiano made the call after he was navigated through the River Niger to the Ogbaru Coastal Communities for an on-the-spot assessment of the flood situation in the area.

At Marine Waterside, Onitsha from where the Governor took off, it was observed that the water level had risen significantly, giving cause for worry following speculations about Cameroun opening their dams.

The heavy presence of water hyacinth flowing on the surface of the Niger depicts the unsavory development in the flood situation.
On board a naval gunboat, Governor Obiano ferried through the River Niger to assess the real situation.
Speaking after the movement, Governor Obiano regretted that many people are still in the flooded area, warning that forecast shows very dangerous signals ahead.
He appealed to the Federal Government and good spirited individuals to assist the State with funding and relief materials to cater for the displaced persons.

Governor Obiano later visited a Holding Center at Ogbaru Council Headquarters, Atani where over a hundred displaced persons were being quartered.

Addressing the inmates of the center,, Governor Obiano said the visit was to see how they are faring and what government can do to better their condition, assuring them that his government is committed to their welfare.

He said government will take record of the displaced persons so that it can provide them succour to enable them resettle after the deluge.

Some of the displaced persons including Mr. Osita Obinyelugo and Mrs. Uzoamaka Ibina regretted that they have lost all their means of livelihood as a result of the flooding and appealed to government and good spirited individuals to come to their aid.

Governor Obiano also visited the Holding Center at St Patrick’s Parish, Odekpe where over three hundred internally-displaced persons were housed where he promised to provide water and power facilities to ease their sufferings.