The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued a critical warning to the public about the rising water levels in the River Niger system, signaling an increased risk of flooding in the coming weeks. This alert was delivered by NIHSA's Director-General, Mr. Umar Mohammed, on Friday, as part of the agency's ongoing efforts to keep Nigerians informed about potential environmental hazards.
The rising water levels are primarily attributed to upstream activities in Niger and Mali, with floodwaters gradually moving towards Nigeria, beginning with Kebbi State. This development has been closely monitored in coordination with the Niger Basin Authority (NBA) in Niamey, Niger Republic.
In response to this situation, Mr. Mohammed assured that dam operators at Kainji and Jebba, both located on the River Niger, have been notified and are on high alert. As of August 22, NIHSA confirmed that these dams are not currently releasing water from their reservoirs, a critical measure to manage water levels and reduce the risk of flooding.
The agency predicts that the risk of flooding will peak by the end of August and continue into September. Communities and states along the River Niger are urged to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions. NIHSA has committed to closely monitoring the situation and providing regular updates to ensure public safety.
Reflecting on past flood emergencies, it was noted that Nigeria experienced its most devastating seasonal floods in a decade back in 2012, resulting in over 600 deaths and the displacement of 1.3 million people. The last major flood event occurred between July and October 2012 when the Niger and Benue rivers overflowed, causing widespread destruction of homes and farmland.
As the threat of flooding looms, NIHSA's warning underscores the importance of preparedness and proactive measures to mitigate the impact on affected communities.
