File picture from the recent Niger state flooding incident
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has warned of imminent flooding in communities along rivers Niger and Benue as water levels in the rivers and their tributaries reach peak levels.
NAN reports that Umar Mohammed, director-general (DG) of NiHSA, gave the warning on Thursday in Abuja while providing an update on river flow conditions and reservoir levels in major dams across the country.
Mohammed said rivers Rima, Kaduna and Gongola — tributaries of Niger and Benue — have also reached peak discharge, heightening the risk of flooding in towns and farmlands within the basin.
“Kainji and Jebba dams located on the River Niger are currently spilling excess water to maintain their designed safety levels,” he said.
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“This situation is posing threats to nearby communities such as Kainji, Patigi, New Bussa, Borgu, Mokwa, Jebba, Gungu, Gana, Fanga, Bele, Bere, Gaba and Baro.”
The NiHSA DG explained that Zungeru Dam on River Kaduna is not spilling, but its reservoir level has risen to 229.15 metres, with the downstream water level at 134.17 metres.
He added that Goronyo Dam in Sokoto state has reached its full design capacity of 288 metres and is spilling at maximum rate, already causing flooding in Goronyo, Wamako, Shinaka Yerimawa, Kurukuru and nearby communities.
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In Adamawa, he said Kiri Dam is also spilling, with downstream water levels at 8.42 metres, resulting in flooding in Kiri, Tallum, Banjiram, Purokayo-Lakumna and Shelleng.
Mohammed clarified that Lagdo Dam in Cameroon, which is often linked to flooding in Nigeria, is not spilling at present.
“The current water level at Lagdo is 37 metres, which is below its maximum design height of 40 metres. This means there is still a storage capacity of about three metres,” he said.
“The flooding being experienced in Adamawa, especially in Yola North, Yola South, Girei and Numan, is mainly due to heavy rainfall and internally generated runoff within the River Benue catchment.”
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The DG said NiHSA is working with dam operators to mitigate downstream impacts and would continue to provide timely updates.
He urged state governments, emergency agencies and residents in flood-prone areas to take proactive steps to safeguard lives and property.
“The agency is working in close coordination with dam operators to mitigate the downstream impacts,” he said.
“However, communities must play their part by relocating from floodplains, protecting valuables and adhering to early warning advisories.”
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