The Federal Government has warned Nigerians about the upcoming release of water from Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.
This announcement was made on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, in a statement by Umar Muhammed, the head of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency.
Cameroon’s authorities were to begin releasing water from the Lagdo Dam slowly starting from September 17, 2024. The release is expected to gradually increase over the next seven days, with water flow reaching up to 1000 cubic meters per second.
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency said the release will be controlled to avoid major flooding along the Benue River. The dam operators will closely monitor the water flow to ensure it does not cause serious flooding in Nigeria.
The government assured Nigerians that there is no need to panic, but it asked the affected states—Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross Rivers, and Rivers—to remain alert and take steps to reduce any possible flood risks.
“The agency unequivocally states that there is no need for alarm as major flooding downstream in Nigeria is not anticipated since the flow levels along the Benue River are still within cautionary limits,” the agency added in the statement.
The agency will continue to keep an eye on the situation and provide regular updates on water levels to prevent disasters.
Lagdo Dam is located in northern Cameroon on the Benue River, which connects to rivers in Nigeria. When water is released, it can affect many Nigerian states, as seen in previous years.
Recently, flooding in Borno State caused the deaths of over 30 people and affected more than a million residents.
