NIHSA ISSUES FLOOD WARNING TO COMMUNITIES ALONG RIVERS BENUE, NIGER
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued an urgent flood warning to communities along the Rivers Benue and Niger, citing significant rises in water levels due to continuous rainfall.
In a statement released on Thursday, NIHSA's Director General, Umar Mohammed, warned residents near riverbanks to evacuate immediately. "Water levels in the River Benue have reached critical points," Mohammed said.
According to Mohammed, water gauge data from key stations such as Lokoja, Umaisha, Makurdi, and Ibbi showed consistently high levels exceeding nine meters between October 9 and 15. "Makurdi has recorded dangerously high water levels, with Lokoja and other stations nearing flood thresholds," he warned.
To mitigate the risk, the management of the Kainji and Jebba dams are closely monitoring and controlling water releases to prevent downstream flooding along the Niger. Mohammed called for full cooperation with emergency response agencies and advised citizens to move to safer areas to avoid worsening flood effects.
Comments