The Federal Government, through the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), has issued a strong warning to Nigerians living near river banks along the River Benue Basin, urging them to relocate to safer areas as floodwaters continue to rise.
In a statement released on Thursday, October 17, NIHSA Director General, Umar Mohammed, cautioned that heavy rainfall has caused the water levels in the River Benue to surpass flooding thresholds, posing severe risks to residents in nearby communities.
Urgent Call to Relocate Amid Rising Floodwaters
Residents along the River Niger have also been advised to evacuate, as authorities at the Kainji and Jebba Dams work tirelessly to control the release of floodwaters. With both rivers swelling beyond safe levels, the NIHSA warns that the situation could escalate rapidly if necessary precautions are not taken.
“We urge everyone residing along these river banks to immediately relocate to safer grounds,” Mohammed said. “The risks posed by rising water levels are too great to ignore, and proactive action is needed to avoid a potential disaster.”
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Past Flood Disasters Serve as a Warning
This alert comes on the heels of recent catastrophic floods in Maiduguri, Borno State, caused by the overflow of the Alau Dam. Over 30 lives were lost, and thousands of homes were destroyed, highlighting the urgent need for preventive measures. Earlier this year, the release of water from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon also led to widespread flooding, prompting the Federal Government to issue similar relocation warnings.
NIHSA Calls for Cooperation to Prevent Future Disasters
Mohammed further urged Nigerians to cooperate with emergency management agencies to mitigate the impact of floods across the country. “Building resilience against flooding requires collective efforts,” he stated. “We need everyone to work together to reduce the devastating effects of floods in Nigeria.”
With the rainy season in full swing, the threat of floods looms large, and timely relocation could be the difference between life and death. Residents are advised to take this warning seriously and move to designated safe zones before it’s too late.