Dam water release: Niger warns of flooding, urges relocation

The Niger State Government has issued a warning to residents in certain areas of the state to relocate to safer areas of the state.

The warning was issued on Thursday by the Director-General of The Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Abdullahi Baba-Arah. He highlighted areas along the River Niger and River Kaduna while explaining that a flood might occur due to the discharge of water from four hydroelectric dams.

“The Nigerian Hydrological Services has advised communities along the River Niger and Kaduna to relocate. The dams are releasing thousands of gallons of water per minute, which could lead to the overflow of these rivers. The state government hereby advises our communities to limit activities around river banks during this peak rainy season to avoid being flooded. People living in riverine areas should relocate to safer grounds already identified,” the statement read in part.

Baba-Arah also warned against incoming windstorms, advising residents to stay away from trees during rainfall.

“NiMet’s latest prediction indicated that the end of the rainy season will be accompanied by violent windstorms. As such, people should avoid standing under trees during rainfall and also avoid substandard structures,” he said.