Flood: NEMA alerts four LGAs as River Niger water level rises

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has alerted Mokwa, Shiroro, Lavun and Borgu LGAs in Niger of imminent flooding between July and November. 

In a statement on Thursday, Zainab Sa’idu, head of the NEMA operations office in Minna, said the impending floods are indications that water levels along the River Niger are rising.

She said the development will increase water levels along the River Niger tributaries leading to an overflow into nearby settlements and communities.

She said the annual flood outlook of the Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency (NIHSA), also marked the LGAS as high flood risk areas.

She advised residents living on flood plains and river banks to relocate to higher grounds.

Sa’idu said other LGAs like Edati, Gbako, Wushishi, Rafi, Mashegu, Magama, and Agwara might also experience high levels of flood within the same period. 

She said the state had started experiencing floods and windstorms in these areas and called on the people to take serious precautions to avoid losses.

Sa’idu further asked residents of the areas to ensure that drainages were kept clean to avoid blockage of waterways and channels.

She said the agency will continue to sensitise Nigerians on flood disasters, appealing to people to heed the warnings so as to save lives and properties.