The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued an urgent flood warning for communities along the Rivers Benue and Niger, as rising water levels pose an imminent threat to lives and property. Continuous rainfall over recent weeks has led to significant increases in water levels, prompting NIHSA to call for immediate action from residents in the affected areas.
Umar Mohammed, the Director General of NIHSA, issued a statement on Thursday, stressing the gravity of the situation and urging residents living near riverbanks to evacuate to safer areas. According to Mohammed, water gauge data from critical monitoring stations in Lokoja, Umaisha, Makurdi, and Ibbi show that water levels have reached critical thresholds. Between October 9 and October 15, levels consistently exceeded nine meters in these key areas, signaling a high risk of flooding.
“The data indicates that flood-prone zones along the Rivers Benue and Niger are at a heightened risk, particularly in areas around Makurdi and Lokoja, where water levels are dangerously high,” Mohammed stated. He emphasized the importance of quick action, as further rainfall is expected to exacerbate the situation.
The rise in water levels has been particularly concerning in Makurdi, where water levels have surpassed previous records. Lokoja, a major confluence point where the Benue and Niger rivers meet, is also nearing flood thresholds, raising alarms for residents downstream. Mohammed urged residents to heed the warnings and take immediate steps to protect themselves and their property by relocating to safer grounds.
The potential for severe flooding is not limited to these cities alone. Other communities along the riverbanks of the Benue and Niger rivers are also at high risk. NIHSA has mapped out the flood-prone zones across Nigeria, identifying areas where the risk is greatest. The agency’s assessment highlights the urgent need for preparedness and swift evacuation in these vulnerable regions.
In addition to issuing warnings, NIHSA is closely coordinating with the management of the Kainji and Jebba dams. The agency has assured the public that these dams are being closely monitored, with controlled water releases in place to minimize the risk of downstream flooding along the River Niger. However, Mohammed warned that despite these precautionary measures, the risk of flooding remains high, particularly in areas where water levels are already elevated.
“While dam operators are taking steps to manage water releases, we are calling on residents to cooperate fully with emergency response agencies. The situation is critical, and it is essential for people to move to safer areas now, rather than wait for the situation to worsen,” Mohammed said.
NIHSA’s warning comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with the impact of climate change, with increasingly erratic weather patterns leading to more frequent and severe flooding events. This year, heavy rainfall has persisted longer than expected, leading to swollen rivers and widespread concerns about the impact on local communities.
Flooding poses significant risks to agriculture, infrastructure, and human settlements, particularly in rural areas where communities are often located near riverbanks. As floodwaters rise, homes, farmlands, and livelihoods are at risk of being swept away, and the health implications of contaminated water sources also become a concern.
In light of the flood threat, Mohammed called on all relevant authorities to mobilize resources and ensure that evacuation plans are implemented swiftly. He also urged the public to remain vigilant and to cooperate with local authorities and emergency services.
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