The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has disclosed that about 13 states are prone to flooding over the opening of the Lagdo dam in the Republic of Cameroon. The agency further revealed that the situation may worsen due to the release of excess water from the Lagdo dam by its operators. The States, according to the agency are Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Niger, Nasarawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Cross River, Rivers, and Bayelsa. The agency also stated that the country should expect the Kainji, Shiroro, and Jebba dams to overflow between now and the end of October.
The Director General of NEMA, Mustapha Ahmed revealed these in Abuja on Monday during an emergency meeting aimed at reviewing the emergency and planning for further action by all responders. “Based on our communication with the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, the Lagdo dam operators in the Republic of Cameroon commenced the release of excess water from the reservoir by September 13,” he said.
“We are aware that the released water cascades down to Nigeria through River Benue and its tributaries, thereby inundating communities that have already been impacted by heavy precipitation. “The released water complicates the situation further downstream as Nigeria’s inland reservoirs, including Kainji, Jebba, and Shiroro, are also expected to overflow between now and October ending, according to Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency.
“According to Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, Kainji and Jebba dams have already started spilling excess water from their reservoirs.“This will have serious consequences on frontline states and communities along the courses of rivers Niger and Benue.”
The agency also urged governments of the affected states to identify safe areas for evacuation, as well as make provisions for food items and other emergency response measures.
