ABUJA, Nigeria — The Federal Government of Nigeria has warned residents living near the River Benue and Niger, advising them to relocate due to the imminent threat of flooding.
The advisory came on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, via a statement from the National Orientation Agency, NOA, which indicated that the flooding is expected to occur after Cameroon opens the Lagodo dam.
“Flood alert! Federal Government of Nigeria warns of possible flooding along River Benue & Niger due to Cameroon opening dam. Take precautions,” the NOA warned in its statement.
The NOA urged residents in the affected areas to take immediate action to mitigate the risk of flooding. “People in the affected areas must move to higher grounds and be vigilant at all times,” the agency advised.
In addition to urging residents to relocate, the NOA also encouraged people to inform others about the impending flood threat.
“Stay safe and communicate the potential danger to friends, family, and neighbors,” the NOA added.
This warning comes amid concerns about the increasing frequency and intensity of flooding in various parts of Nigeria.
Rivers Benue and Niger are two of the country’s most significant waterways, and flooding in these areas could have devastating consequences for communities that rely on these rivers for their livelihood.
Cameroon’s decision to open the Lagodo dam will likely exacerbate existing flooding problems and put additional pressure on emergency services and resources in Nigeria.
Authorities are urging residents to take the warning seriously and are coordinating with local governments to provide temporary shelter for those who need to evacuate.
Emergency services are also preparing to deal with potential flood-related issues such as waterborne diseases, damaged infrastructure, and displaced populations.
Environmental experts note that flood events often have cascading impacts that can disrupt food production, impact transportation networks, and strain healthcare systems, especially amid the ongoing pandemic.
Therefore, timely action and community vigilance are deemed critical in mitigating the adverse effects of the flooding.
The NOA’s warning serves as an urgent call for preparation and highlights the importance of cross-border communication in managing environmental risks that affect multiple nations.
With the rainy season in full swing, citizens are urged to remain cautious and heed government advisories to minimize the impact of the forthcoming flood event.
