Egypt's Delta cities take measures in anticipation of increased Nile level, warn people encroaching on alluvial plains

CAIRO - 24 September 2020: Delta governorates have announced the state of emergency because flood this year is expcted to be higher than average, which may cause problems in areas where there are encroachments on the alluvial plain of the Nile. 

 

The Nile level this season will be higher than that of many years earlier from Aswan in southern Egypt until the last downstream city in Kafr el-Sheikh, Minister of Irrigation Mohamed Abdel Ati has said. 

 

Flooding in Kafr el-Sheikh has been reported in recent years due to the rain, but his season rain will be coupled with a higher level of the Nile River. 

 

Governor of Kafr el-Sheikh Gamal Nour el-Din has set a plan in coordination with the police, town councils, the ministries of irrigation, education, electricity, social solidarity, and supply in anticipation of any increase in the river level, which is being monitored constantly. 

 

Governor of Damietta Manal Awad held an urgent meeting with officials in the governorate to discuss the possible increase in the water level in Damietta branch of the Nile as other governorates, making sure that drainage system is up and running.

 

She gave evacuation instructions for anything on alluvial plains, including homes, silos, fish farms and livestock.

 

Governor of Beheira Hesham Amena also ordered town council to take precautionary measures against encroachments on alluvial plains, which might drown under water. 

 

In Qanater Khairia city of Qalyubia governorate, a committee from the town council went on a tour to alluvial plains in the city to speak to citizens who live or have properties there to warn them about the water level expected this season. 

 

Any installments on alluvial plains are illegal as these lands belong to the Ministry of Irrigation and are at risk of flooding, posing a threat to lives and properties.