...Urges Precautionary Measures
Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Katsina, Niger, Benue, Kwara, and Oyo are among states that may likely witness heavy rainfall that may lead to flooding within the period of prediction: 3rd – 7th September, 2023, Federal Government has announced.
This is container in the Flood Early Warning Systems (FEWS) Central Hub, released Sunday by the Federal Ministry of Environment in Abuja.
The Central Hub also stated that due to the rise in the water level of River Benue and River Niger, communities along River Benue and River Niger up to Bayelsa state should also take precautionary measures to avert serious impacted.
“The following locations and their environs are likely to witness heavy rainfall that may lead to flooding within the period of prediction: 3rd – 7th September, 2023.
“Kaduna State : Birnin-gwari, Kaduna, Saminaka; Kano State : Kunchi, Sumaila;
Kebbi State : Bagudo Kamba, Kangiwa, Ribah, Shanga; Katsina State: Makira; Niger State: Sarkin-Pawa, Rijau; Benue State: Katsina-ala; Kwara State : Kaiama, Bode-sadu, Kosubosu;Oyo State: Kisi.
“Also, due to the rise in the water level of River Benue and River Niger, Communities along River Benue and River Niger up to Bayelsa state should kindly take precautionary measures” reads the statement.
Recall also that the Government of Cameroon recently informed the federal government the Lagdo Dam is being opened in phases into River Benue.
The notification was sent to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) through a letter signed by Umar Salisu, the Ministry’s Director of African Affairs in Cameroon.
According to Salisu, the Cameroonian authorities will be releasing “only modulated variable small amount of water at a time”.
“According to the Note, it is pertinent to note that when the release of water becomes necessary, the authorities of the Lagdo Dam will be releasing only modulated variable small amount of water at a time in order to mitigate and avoid damages that the released water may cause along the River Benue basin in both Cameroon and in Nigeria.
“In view of the above, it would be appreciated if the esteemed Agency takes all the necessary proactive steps and actions that will mitigate the damage as well as sensitize the populace living in such areas for vigilance and all necessary precautions”.
