The Federal Government has raised an alarm, warning that at least 11 states along the River Benue are at serious risk of flooding as neighbouring Cameroon begins to release water from its Lagdo Dam.
This development has triggered a race against time for states and local governments to prepare for the potential disaster.
The Director-General of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, announced on Tuesday that Cameroonian officials had initiated “regulated water releases” from the Lagdo Dam in the country’s northern region.
According to Mohammed, the release began on September 17 and will result in significant water flow into Nigeria’s Benue River, which could lead to severe flooding in parts of Nigeria’s northeast, north-central, south-south, and southeast regions.
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“It is highly imperative for all states contiguous to the River Benue system to step up vigilance and deploy adequate preparedness measures to reduce possible impacts of flooding,” Mohammed urged.
The release of water from Lagdo Dam has been a recurring concern for Nigerian communities downstream. In the past, similar releases have resulted in massive flooding, leading to widespread destruction of property, displacement, and loss of lives.
In 2022, Nigeria experienced its worst flooding in a decade, which left over 500 people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million citizens. The combination of heavy rains and the dam’s overflow is believed to have contributed to the disaster.
While NIHSA has emphasized the need for vigilance, the agency does not anticipate the same level of devastation this year. However, Mohammed’s statement highlights the importance of proactive measures by affected states to mitigate potential risks.
Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is already gearing up for possible disaster scenarios. Spokesman Ezekiel Manzo confirmed that the agency has been in constant communication with states at risk, urging them to be fully prepared.
“We’ve been warning the states to ensure readiness,” Manzo said, acknowledging the gravity of the situation while expressing confidence in NEMA’s preparedness.
Adding to the concern, Google’s Flood Hub projection application indicates that communities along the River Benue, particularly in the southeastern and north-central regions, are at high risk of floods as water levels continue to rise.
Nigeria’s experience with flooding has been deeply concerning this year. As of September 18, 2024, at least 285 people have been killed, and over 640,000 people have been displaced by floods. Around 127,500 hectares of farmlands have also been affected, compounding the country’s food security challenges.
The government is urging residents in flood-prone areas to heed all warnings, remain on high alert, and prioritize safety as the waters from Lagdo Dam make their way into Nigeria’s river systems.
