Nigeria’s Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has notified the public of potential flooding in several states as Cameroon begins releasing water from its Lagdo Dam.
NIHSA’s warning was contained in a press statement dated September 17 and issued by its Director-General, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed.
According to it, the dam’s management started releasing 100m³/s (8,640,000m³/day) of water on September 17, with plans to increase the flow to 1000m³/s over the next seven days.
Mohammed assured that the release would be gradual, avoiding major flooding downstream.
However, he cautioned states contiguous to the River Benue system, including Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross-Rivers, and Rivers, to enhance vigilance and preparedness to mitigate potential flooding impacts.
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The statement read:
“NIGERIA HYDROLOGICAL SERVICE AGENCY
“FEDERAL MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES
“Office of the Director-General
“17th September, 2024
“PRESS RELEASE ON THE NOTIFICATION OF WATER RELEASE FROM LAGDO DAM
“The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) wishes to inform the general public that the Authority of Lagdo dam in Cameroon have informed the Agency that the dam management will begin regulated water releases at the rate of 100m³/s (8,640,000m³/day) today 17th September, 2023. The water release is expected to increase gradually to 1000m³/s in the next 7 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 there is noticeable decrease in flow into the Lagdo reservoir.
“The Agency hereby wishes to state that there is no cause for alarm as major flooding are 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, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross-Rivers and Rivers; the government at all levels (Federal, State and LGAs) to step up vigilance and deploy adequate preparedness measures to reduce possible impacts of flooding 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 transboundary river Benue and the national inland rivers and steadily provide regular updates on water levels across major rivers to forestall-further flood disasters.
“Umar Ibrahim Mohammed Director General/CEO.”
