The Nigerian government has warned residents in flood-prone areas to relocate immediately to safer areas, as Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam’s waters have been released into Rivers Niger and Benue.
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) gave the warning, stating that the water release could cause flooding in 11 states, including Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross Rivers, and Rivers.
NIHSA Director General, Umar Mohammed, said that his agency had met with the Cameroonian authorities and agreed that water from the dam be released “intermittently” to avoid flooding in the 11 states at risk.
He added that all Nigerians had a role to play in preventing flooding and that individuals should move from the flood plains and clean and clear their drainages.
The release of water from Lagdo Dam comes days after water from overflowing Alau Dam killed over 30 persons and swept away thousands of homes in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, last weekend.
Mohammed said that a report had been submitted to the Presidency on the way forward, noting that some of the dams in Nigeria should be de-silted.
The NIHSA boss emphasized that everyone has a role to play in preventing flooding and that the federal government, NIHSA, and NEMA are doing their parts.
He appealed to individuals to move from the flood plains and to clear their drainages to allow water to move.
The water release from Lagdo Dam is an annual occurrence, and NIHSA warned that the water level in the River Benue is already rising.
The agency advised residents in flood-prone areas to be vigilant and to take necessary precautions.
In response to the warning, some states have begun taking measures to mitigate the effects of the flooding.
For example, the Adamawa state government has started working with NEMA to mitigate the effect of the water release.
The government has also advised flood-prone states to embark on comprehensive sensitization campaigns, to ensure unobstructed drainage systems and strategic relocation of residents living along the riverbanks to safer ground.
