The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has alerted Nigerians to potential flooding risks as Cameroon begins controlled water releases from the Lagdo Dam. Scheduled to start on September 17, the releases are aimed at managing water levels in the River Benue, which could otherwise lead to severe flooding in Nigeria.
Umar Mohammed, Director-General of NIHSA, announced that the initial release rate would be 100 cubic meters per second (m³/s), or 8.64 million cubic meters per day. This rate will gradually increase to 1,000 m³/s over seven days to avoid exceeding the river’s capacity. Mohammed urged states along the River Benue, including Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Rivers, to heighten preparedness and implement preventive measures.
“The government at all levels—Federal, State, and Local—must step up vigilance and ensure adequate preparedness to minimize the potential impacts of flooding as water flow levels rise,” Mohammed stated.
NIHSA reassured the public that current flow levels along the Benue River remain within safe limits and are being closely monitored. However, concerns linger after a recent flood in Maiduguri on September 10 displaced thousands and resulted in over 30 deaths due to the collapse of the Alau Dam. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has reported that over 400,000 people have been displaced by flooding this season.
With the impending rise in water levels, authorities are bracing for further challenges in the coming days.