Flood alert: FG orders immediate evacuation, as Cameroon releases water from Lagdo dam
…Residents in flood-prone areas must relocate to safeguard lives — NIHSA warns
…NEMA reports 1.6m affected, 634,000 displaced in five months
By SodiqAdelakun
The Federal Government has issued a stern warning urging immediate evacuation for residents in flood-prone areas, as the release of water from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam poses an imminent flood threat across several Nigerian states.
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has stressed that swift action is essential to minimise potential casualties.
NIHSA’s Director of Operations and Hydrology, Femi Bejide, made this announcement while speaking on Channels Television’s ‘The Morning Brief’ program on Thursday.
“The situation is that water from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam has been released already since yesterday (Wednesday), and there is an agreement that the water should be released in phases,” he stated, emphasising that this controlled release aims to mitigate flood impacts on the Rivers Niger and Benue, which are experiencing rising water levels.
The Federal Government’s warning extends to high-risk states including Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross Rivers, and Rivers, urging residents to be vigilant and take necessary precautionary measures.
Bejideemphasised the importance of collaboration in flood management, stating, “Everybody has their part to play; as the Federal Government is doing its part, our agency is doing its part, NEMA is prepared, individuals should also have to do their part. They have to move from the floodplain.”
He also urged homeowners to clear their drainage systems to ensure the free flow of water.
This latest development comes in the wake of severe flooding incidents triggered by previous releases from the Lagdo Dam, which have resulted in significant loss of life and displacement.
Recall, the 2022 floods led to the tragic deaths of 665 individuals and displaced over 2.4 million. In 2023, the toll was comparatively lower with 28 lives lost, but still marked by the displacement of 48,168 people.
As authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, Bejide highlighted ongoing discussions with Cameroonian officials regarding the water release coordination.
“We have submitted a report to the Presidency proposing the construction of buffer dams and the desilting of existing ones to better manage such water releases in the future,” he said, reiterating the need for improved infrastructure to mitigate flood risks moving forward.
In light of the catastrophic overflow of the Alau Dam in Borno State, which resulted in over 30 deaths and significant property damage, the urgency of NIHSA’s appeal cannot be overstated.
“Look at your house; if your house is in the floodplain, please move, it is an appeal,” Bejide pleaded with communities at risk.
In the same vein, The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has revealed that approximately 1.6 million people have been affected by flooding across Nigeria from April to September 2024, with over 634,000 individuals displaced.
NEMA’s Director-General, HajiyaZubaida Umar, made this announcement during the 2024 flood early warning strategy event in BirninKebbi on Thursday.
Umar, represented by Dr. Daniel Obot, the Director of Disaster Risk Reduction, highlighted the severity of the situation, stating that 94,741 houses have either been destroyed or submerged.
“The statistics indicate that 176 local government areas across 30 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, are impacted,” she noted, surpassing initial predictions by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).
The agency emphasised the importance of early warning systems, integrating direct risk communication to mitigate the effects of flooding, particularly in vulnerable communities.
Umar stressed the necessity for collective action to reduce adverse impacts, stating, “All of us are expected to take actions that will drastically reduce the adverse impacts of floods.”
Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State acknowledged NEMA’s proactive measures in assessing flood risks and enhancing disaster management capabilities.
He pointed out that recent severe flooding has affected at least 13 local government areas, displacing numerous communities and threatening agricultural productivity.
“Your visit will help identify more areas of urgent need and strengthen our emergency preparedness and response,” Idris stated.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to collaborating with NEMA for effective flood management and disaster risk reduction.
