The Nigerian government has issued a flood warning, advising residents living near riverbanks and in flood-prone areas to relocate immediately to avoid potential disasters.
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has specifically urged those residing near the River Benue Basin to move to safer locations as a precaution. In a statement released on Thursday, NIHSA’s Director General, Umar Mohammed, stated that water levels in the River Benue have reached dangerous heights due to continuous heavy rainfall.
Residents along the River Niger were also advised to relocate, as authorities at the Kainji and Jebba Dams are working to manage rising floodwaters. Mohammed stressed the need for cooperation with emergency management agencies to boost preparedness and minimize the impact of any flooding.
This warning follows earlier government advisories encouraging Nigerians to seek higher ground after the release of water from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon. The release had raised concerns over flooding risks across several regions.
Recently, severe flooding in Maiduguri, Borno State, caused by the overflow of the Alau Dam, resulted in over 30 deaths and the destruction of thousands of homes, underscoring the importance of these precautionary measures.
For more updates, join our WhatsApp channel here: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VabITrvEAKW7DSkTfP.