28th August, 2023
The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA has put 13 states across Nigeria on red alert about potential massive flooding following plans by Cameroon to release water from the Lagdo Dam.
The alert was issued by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) following a notification from the Foreign Affairs Ministry that Cameroon plans to open the Lagdo Dam.
NEMA also warned that Kainji, Shiroro and Jebba dams could overflow between now and the end of October, thus worsening the flood situation in the states.
According to NEMA, the states likely to be affected are : Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Niger, Nasarawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Cross River, Rivers and Bayelsa.
NEMA issued the alert following a notification from the Foreign Affairs Ministry that Cameroon plans to open the Lagdo Dam.
In the letter signed by Ambassador Umar Salisu, the Director, African Affairs, the foreign affairs ministry said efforts should be put in place to mitigate ravages of the flood especially in areas that may be impacted by the opening of the Dam.
The statement reads: “I have the honour to inform that the ministry is in receipt of a note verbale from the High Commission of Republic of Cameroon informing that Cameroonian officials have resolved to open the flood gate of Lagdo Dam in the Benue River in days ahead due to heavy rainfall around the dam catchment area in the Northern Cameroon.
“According to the note, it is pertinent to note that when the release of water becomes necessary, the authorities of Lagdo Dams will be releasing only modulated variable small amount of water at a time in order to mitigate and avoid damages that the release may cause along River Benue Basin in both Cameroon and 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 sensitive the people living in such areas for vigilance and all necessary precautions.”