THE Federal Government, through the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), on Friday, August 23, issued an urgent warning to the public over the rising water levels of the River Niger system.
Director General of NIHSA, Mr. Umar Mohammed, a statement, said floodwaters from upland neighbouring countries were gradually moving towards Nigeria, starting with Kebbi State, due to upstream activities in Niger and Mali, according to reports from the Niger Basin Authority (NBA) in Niamey, Niger Republic.
“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 were not currently spilling water from their reservoirs.”
He stated that the risk of flooding is expected to peak by the end of August into September, urging states and communities along the River Niger system to remain vigilant.
Mohammed said the agency would continue to monitor the situation closely and provide regular updates to the public.
Nigeria witnessed the most devastating seasonal floods in a decade in 2012, causing over 600 deaths and 1.3 million displacements from homes, with over 200,000 houses and 266,000 acres of farmland completely or partially damaged.
The last major flood emergency was between July and October in 2012, when the Niger and Benue rivers overflowed their banks.
