The Federal Government has urged resident living along the banks of the River Niger to seek alternative areas to relocate following the rising level of the river.
This is even as the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, NIHSA, on Friday issued a stern warning of an imminent danger of flooding in the area. The agency, therefore, warned the public to vacate the area as a result of the rising water levels of the River Niger system.
This was contained in a statement, issued by the Director-General of NIHSA, Umar Mohammed. He noted that floodwaters from northern countries are gradually moving towards Nigeria, starting with Kebbi.
Mohammed stated that the development is attributed to upstream activities in Niger and Mali. And also with reports from the Niger Basin Authority (NBA) in Niamey, Niger Republic.
He said, “NIHSA has assured that dam operators at Kainji and Jebba, situated on the River Niger, have been informed and are on standby.
“As of August 22, the agency confirmed that these dams are not currently spilling water from their reservoirs.”
Mohammed noted that the risk of flooding is expected to peak by the end of August and into September. He, therefore, urged States and Communities along the River Niger system to remain vigilant.
He pointed out that the agency will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide regular updates to the public.
News Agency of Nigeria reports that the World Economic Forum said Nigeria witnessed the most devastating episode of seasonal floods in a decade in 2012. This resulted in over 600 deaths and 1.3 million displacements from homes.
The report added that more than 200,000 houses and 266,000 acres of farmland were completely or partially damaged.
Recall that the last major flood emergency recorded along the River Niger was between July and October 2012. That was when the Niger and Benue rivers overflowed their banks.
source: Vanguard
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