The Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency (NIHSA) has issued an alert regarding the planned water releases from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.
In a press statement on Tuesday, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, Director-General of NIHSA, urged states and local government areas located in riverine regions to heighten their vigilance and implement preparedness measures to mitigate potential flooding across the country.
“The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) wishes to notify the general public that the authorities of the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon have communicated to the Agency that they will initiate controlled water releases at a rate of 100m³/s (8,640,000m³/day) starting today, 17 September 2023,” Mohammed stated.
He further explained that the water discharge is expected to progressively increase to “1000m³/s over the next seven days based on the inflow from the upstream Garoua River, which serves as the primary source into the reservoir and a significant tributary to the Benue River.”
The DG reassured that the dam operators have indicated the planned releases will be gradual to avoid overwhelming the Benue River system and triggering substantial flooding downstream in Nigeria. Mohammed explained that “the overflow from the Lagdo Dam is projected to cease once there is a noticeable reduction in the flow into the Lagdo reservoir.”
READ ALSO: FG warns of impending flooding on Rivers Niger, Benue
“The Agency unequivocally states that there is no need for alarm as major flooding downstream in Nigeria is not anticipated since the flow levels along the Benue River are still within cautionary limits,” he added.
Nonetheless, NIHSA has called for vigilance from all states bordering the Benue River, including Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Rivers. Mohammed stressed that “it is of utmost importance for all states bordering the Benue River system, along with the government at all levels, to implement appropriate preparedness measures to mitigate potential flooding impacts.”
He assured the public of NIHSA’s commitment to closely monitor the flow conditions of the Benue River and other national inland rivers, providing regular updates to prevent flood disasters in the country.
