From David Onuoja, Abuja
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), has warned the public especially Kogi, Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa and Rivers states among others of the eminent flooding that may flow to those states as Cameroon authority has sent warning towards the release of Lagdo Dam in the next 7days.
Cameroon authority have said that water from the dam would be release and that it may go higher above 100m% (8,640,000m/ starting from 17th September, 2023.
According to the Director General/CEO, of NIHSA, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, said, “the water release is expected to increase gradually to 1000m% in the next 7 days depending on the inflow from the upstream Garoua River which is the main feeder into the reservoir and a major contributor to the Benue river.
“However, the dam managers further stated that the planned water releases will be gradual so as not to exceed the conveyance capacity of the Benue river system and cause major flooding downstream Nigeria.
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“The spilling of waters from Lagdo dam is expected to stop as soon as there is noticeable decrease in flow into the Lagdo reservoir.
“The Agency hereby wishes to state that there is no cause for alarm as major flooding are not expected downstream Nigeria as the flow levels along the river Benue are still within the warning levels.
“Notwithstanding, it is highly imperative for all states that are contiguous to the river Benue system, namely: Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross-Rivers and Rivers; the government at all levels (Federal, State and LGAs) to step up vigilance and deploy adequate preparedness measures to reduce possible impacts of flooding that may occur as a result of increase in flow levels of our major rivers at this period.
“The Agency will continue to monitor closely the flow situation of the transboundary River Benue and the national inland rivers and steadily provide regular updates on water levels across major rivers to forestall further flood disasters”, he added.
