The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, NIHSA, has issued a warning for riverine communities along the Rivers Benue and Niger to relocate to higher ground due to alarming water level rises caused by ongoing rainfall.
In a statement on Thursday, NIHSA’s Director General, Umar Mohammed, urged residents living near the riverbanks to evacuate as water levels in the River Benue have reached dangerously high levels. “Makurdi, in particular, is facing critical water levels, with Lokoja and other key areas also nearing flood danger zones,” Mohammed warned.
Water gauge data from several stations, including Lokoja, Umaisha, Makurdi, and Ibbi, disclosed water levels exceeding nine metres between October 9 and 15. The agency has mapped out areas prone to flooding, particularly along the Rivers Benue and Niger.
The management of the Kainji and Jebba dams is actively monitoring and regulating water releases to prevent further flooding downstream. Mohammed urged residents to cooperate with emergency agencies and move to safer areas as rainfall continues and flood risks rise.
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The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, also addressed the flooding risk during a press briefing. He noted that large volumes of water are flowing through the Niger and Benue rivers towards the Niger Delta region, heightening the risk of flooding in southern Nigeria. Utsev urged vigilance and proactive measures to mitigate flooding impacts, especially following recent flood disasters in other regions like Borno State.
The government has initiated a strategic plan aimed at preventing future flood disasters. This includes a ₦108 billion allocation approved by the President for interventions across all 36 states to tackle perennial flooding issues.
Residents in affected areas are advised to prepare for possible evacuations and stay informed about weather updates. The NIHSA continues to monitor dam management practices at facilities like Kainji and Jebba to regulate water releases effectively. As rainfall persists, communities are urged to take all necessary precautions to safeguard lives and property against the looming threat of flooding.
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