- Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency (NIHSA) Director General, Umar Mohammed, confirmed that the Lagdo Dam will begin releasing water at a rate of 100m³/s
- Director General, Umar Mohammed, emphasised the need for preparedness among states along the Benue River to mitigate potential impacts
- Umar Mohammed further assured no major flooding is anticipated in Nigeria but urged vigilance
The Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency (NIHSA) has issued a warning to Nigerians regarding the release of water from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.
The alert was issued by Umar Mohammed, the Director General of NIHSA, on Tuesday, September 17.
He stated, “The Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency, NIHSA, wishes to inform the general public that the authority in Lagdo Dam in Cameroon has informed the Agency that the dam Management will begin regulated water releases at the rate of 100m³/s (8, 640,000m³/day) today 17 September 2024.
Lagdo Dam water releases to gradually increase to 1000m³/s
“The water releases are expected to increase gradually to 1000m³/s in the next seven 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.
“The spilling of waters from Lagdo Dam is expected to stop as soon as noticeable decrease in flow from the Lagdo reservoir.
Major flooding unlikely, but Edo, Bayelsa, others must prepare
According to Mohammed, while major flooding is unlikely in Nigeria, it’s important for states like Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Cross River, and Rivers, as well as the Federal Government, to prepare for potential impacts.
“The Agency wishes to State that there is no cause for alarm as major flooding is 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, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Rivers; the government at all levels (Federal, State, and Local Government Areas) step up vigilance and deploy adequate preparedness measures to reduce possible flood impacts 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 trans-boundary River Benue and the national inland rivers and steadily provide regular updates on water levels across major rivers to forestall further flood disasters,” NIHSA boss concluded.
UN announces $6 Million donation to Maiduguri flood victims
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the United Nations committed $6 million in emergency funds to support victims of the recent devastating floods in Maiduguri.
According to the report, the UN funds will be allocated to essential needs including temporary shelters, medical supplies, and clean drinking water.