Lagdo Dam: Prepare For Heavy Floods, NEMA Alerts Adamawa, Benue, Edo, 6 Others

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has alerted Nigerians to expect flood in nine states as Cameroon began the release of water from its Lagdo Dam. The states are: Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Anambra, Edo, Delta and Bayelsa. Mr Mustapha Ahmed, Director General, NEMA, disclosed this at the weekend in Abuja when he briefed newsmen on the release of water from the dam. He said that the nine affected states which had communities along the banks of River Benue may be affected by the water release, which is expected to last till the end of October. Ahmed said that the recent release had led to the displacement of communities and could lead to further destruction of crops and other infrastructure. “NEMA has been alerted on sudden increased inundation of riverine communities and farmlands along the banks of River Niger in Adamawa, Taraba and Benue states in the past 48 hours. “The sudden situation is attributed to the rapid release of water from Lagdo fam in the Republic of Cameroon and has resulted in the displacement of several inhabitants of the affected communities. “Furthermore, crops, lands and valuable infrastructure are at risk of getting washed away by the flood waters. “Situation reports from Adamawa State confirmed the upsurge of flood waters along the flood plains of River Benue. “The situation is expected to be replicated in downstream states of Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Anambra, Edo, Delta and Bayelsa as the River Benue joins River Niger and flows to the Atlantic Ocean through the Niger Delta,” he said. The director general also cautioned states and local government areas along the River Niger and Benue Basins to immediately activate their emergency response plans to avert potential damage and losses that could arise due to the flooding of communities. Ahmed added that, so far, 159,157 persons had been affected by this year’s flooding, as 28 persons had lost their lives and 48,168 individuals displaced in 13 states across the country. He, however, added that the agency would continue to provide further updates as it received more situation reports from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) as well as frontline states’ emergency management agencies.

Heavy flooding looms as Cameroon prepares to open Lagdo Dam

*NEMA put on high alert The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has been put on high alert due to the impending threat of flooding along the banks of the River Benue. This warning comes following a communication from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as revealed in a document obtained by NIGERIAN ANCHOR and dated August 21. Recall that the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, had recently said there is no immediate threat of flooding, whilst calling on the government at all levels to put measures in place to prevent flood emergencies. Utsev told newsmen in Abuja that the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) had observed an increase in the volume of flow along the River Benue system, registering a flow level of 8.97 meters today. This, he said, was insignificant, as compared to a flow level of 8.80 meters on the same date in 2022. According to him, reports from inland dams including Kainji, Jebba, and Shiroro also showed a consistent flow regime. “In Lokoja, the heightened flow volume along the River Benue system, the flow situation at the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers in Lokoja, Kogi State, remains within normal parameters. “The flow level at the monitoring station downstream of the confluence records 7.80 meters today, compared to 8.24 meters on the same date in 2022. “As at today, there is no threat to lives and properties, especially those states that are contiguous to Rivers Niger and Benue.” The minister called on all tiers of government to ensure preparedness and deploy appropriate measures to minimise the potential impact of flooding during the peak of the rainy season. Read more on this story: But the official letter gotten by NIGERIAN ANCHOR, which is bearing the signature of Umar Salisu, Director of African Affairs at the ministry, divulges the concerning news that the Cameroonian government intends to initiate the opening of the floodgates at the Lagdo Dam on the Benue River in the near future. This course of action is being taken in response to heavy rainfall that has been experienced within the dam’s catchment area in Northern Cameroon. Salisu clarified that the Cameroonian authorities have designed a controlled approach, planning to release water in measured, manageable quantities. This strategy is aimed at minimizing and averting potential damages that could arise both along the River Benue basin in Cameroon and Nigeria. According to Salisu, the Cameroonian authorities will be releasing “only modulated variable small amount of water at a time”. “This is in order to mitigate and avoid damages that the released water may cause along the River Benue basin in both Cameroon and in Nigeria.” The ministry, therefore, urged NEMA to take precautionary measures in order to reduce damages. “In view of the above, it would be appreciated if the esteemed agency takes all the necessary proactive steps and actions that will mitigate the damage as well as sensitise the populace living in such areas for vigilance and all necessary precautions,” the letter added.  Understanding the gravity of the situation, the ministry has called upon NEMA to undertake precautionary measures that will contribute to damage reduction. The ministry’s letter underscores the urgency of NEMA’s proactive steps and actions, not only to mitigate harm but also to educate and sensitize the residents of the affected areas. This preparedness includes encouraging vigilance and adherence to necessary precautions. In response to these developments, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also extends its advice to the inhabitants of the at-risk regions, urging them to remain composed and to diligently follow the guidance provided by the authorities. The ministry also urged residents of the affected areas to remain calm and to follow the instructions of the authorities.