From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
The Federal Government through the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has advised 13 states to be on red alert against flooding.
Clement Onyeaso Nze, the Director General of NIHSA gave the advice through a press statement made available to newsmen on Friday, in Abuja.
He stated that the states to experience the flooding include the states and communities that are on the main course of rivers Niger and Benue Systems. They include Anambra, Cross River, Rivers, Bayelsa, Kebbi, Niger, Adamawa, Taraba, Benue Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo and Delta.
The DG added that the Lagdo Dam had commenced release of water, adding that it is responsible for increase of the volume of water in River Benue and other connected rivers.
“We want to inform the State Governors, general public and stakeholders alike that the situation at the country’s inland reservoirs (Kainji Jebba, and Shiroro) and the Lagdo dam, present a likelihood of river flooding between now and October ending: hence, the need to put in place adequate measures and enhanced preparedness to mitigate any eventual flooding, particularly in all the states and communities that are on the main course of rivers Niger and Benue Systems.
“We have been reliably informed by the Cameroonian Authorities that the management of Lagdo Dam commenced water releases from the Lagdo Reservoir from the morning of Tuesday, September 13, 2022.”
