Former Chief Medical Director of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Dr Uriel Etawo, says rising sea level may lead to the submergence of parts of the Niger Delta within the next 50 years.
Etawo, who said this at a Luncheon and Blue print Committee inauguration ceremony organised by Engenni Eminent Persons Group in Port Harcourt, said similar islands across the world also faced the same challenge.
He said ice was melting a high degree centigrade in both the North and South poles, stressing that the situation was adding to the volume of water in the ocean.
Etawo, who represented the chairman of Engenni Eminent Person Group, Dr Harvey Warman, at the occasion particularly blamed the perennial flooding in Engenni kingdom of Ahoada West Local Government Area on climate change.
He said the flooding which posed a big risk to the existence of Engenni kingdom should be a source of concern not just for Engenni people but the entire country.
Dr. Etawo who urged for measures to cushion the effect of the flood on the people, also sued for unity among the Engennis.
Speaking on the topic: “Flood and Flooding: The Engenni coltagen Engr. George D. Apapa, said the Orashi Rivers which was a tributary of the Niger and Benue rivers needed constant dredging to ensure free flow of waters.
According to him, all the creeks and canals crisscrossing the Orashi River must be constantly dredged to ensure the flow of water in the area.
He said the people must work out modalities of doing this, by raising money to purchase Amphibious Dredger for the river as the era of leaving the burden of maintaining the River course to the government alone is over.
Apapa also called for regular sensitisation as rescue programme for the kingdom.
He said the flood can also be vitalised for economic benefits stressing that during that period of the year, annual swimming competition can be organised to attract tourists to the kingdom.