The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued an urgent warning to Nigerians residing in areas along riverbanks within the River Benue Basin, advising them to relocate to safer grounds immediately. This advisory comes as the water levels in the River Benue have risen to very high levels due to increased rainfall, signaling a heightened risk of flooding.
In a statement released yesterday, the Director-General of NIHSA, Umar Mohammed, emphasized the need for swift action from residents living near the River Benue. He highlighted the fact that the water level has reached the point where flooding is imminent, posing a serious threat to life and property. Mohammed’s warning was not limited to those along the River Benue but extended to people living near the River Niger as well. He urged them to evacuate to safer areas, explaining that both the Kainji and Jebba Dam management teams are currently working diligently to control the floodwaters and mitigate the impact.
While NIHSA is working with dam management teams to prevent catastrophic flooding, Mohammed emphasized the importance of cooperation between local communities and emergency management agencies. He called on Nigerians to work together in building resilience against future floods, stressing the need for collective effort to minimize the devastating effects of such natural disasters. “We urge all Nigerians to cooperate with emergency management agencies and work towards reducing the impact of flooding in the country,” he said.
This recent advisory follows a previous warning from the government, which advised people to evacuate to safer areas after water was released from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon. The release of water from the Lagdo Dam has historically caused widespread flooding in parts of Nigeria, and its impact has been felt once again this year. The earlier release of water from the overflowing Alau Dam in Maiduguri, the capital city of Borno State, led to tragic consequences. Over 30 people lost their lives, and thousands of homes were swept away, leaving many more displaced.
Flooding remains a recurring and devastating challenge in Nigeria. In 2022, floods ravaged numerous states across the country, resulting in the loss of 665 lives. According to data from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), that year’s floods displaced 2,437,411 people and affected a total of 4,476,867 individuals. The destruction of homes, farmland, and infrastructure was widespread, creating a humanitarian crisis as families struggled to recover from the damage.
The flooding situation in 2023, though less severe compared to the previous year, still wreaked havoc on many communities. According to NEMA, 159,157 people were affected by floods that year, with 28 individuals tragically losing their lives. In addition, 48,168 people were displaced, their homes and livelihoods washed away by rising waters. One of the contributing factors to these floods was the release of water from the Lagdo Dam, which has been an ongoing concern for several years. The excess water release continues to cause flooding in Nigeria, with devastating consequences for the communities living downstream.
In 2024, the flood situation has continued to affect large numbers of people. According to NEMA’s reports, between April and September 2024, flooding impacted over 1,048,312 individuals across various states. The disaster claimed the lives of 259 people and displaced 625,239 others, leaving communities grappling with the aftermath. Despite ongoing efforts to manage the flood risk, the release of water from upstream dams, coupled with heavy rainfall, has compounded the challenges faced by vulnerable communities.
The scale of the damage caused by floods in Nigeria highlights the urgent need for proactive measures. Beyond issuing warnings, the federal and state governments, along with agencies like NIHSA and NEMA, must continue to prioritize flood management and invest in long-term solutions. This includes building infrastructure that can withstand flooding, improving early warning systems, and ensuring that emergency response mechanisms are in place to protect lives and property.
Flooding, though a natural occurrence, is exacerbated by human activity, including poor urban planning, deforestation, and inadequate drainage systems. These factors further complicate efforts to manage flood risks in Nigeria. The ongoing release of water from dams, such as the Lagdo and Kainji Dams, plays a critical role in the recurrent flooding incidents, but human factors must also be addressed if the country is to reduce the devastating impact of these natural disasters.
In the meantime, Nigerians living in flood-prone areas must heed the advice from NIHSA and move to safer locations to avoid the potentially life-threatening consequences of staying in areas susceptible to flooding. Collaboration between residents, emergency agencies, and the government remains essential in preventing further loss of life and minimizing property damage.
The repeated flooding incidents, year after year, underscore the need for collective action to build a more flood-resilient Nigeria. With proactive measures, better flood management, and community cooperation, the country can begin to mitigate the effects of future floods and safeguard its citizens from the dangers posed by rising waters.
