NEMA: 13 states to record heavy flooding as Cameroon opens Lagdo dam

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says the excess water released in Cameroon from the Lagdo dam will cause heavy flooding in 13 states.

Mustapha Ahmed, director-general of NEMA, said this on Monday at an emergency technical meeting held in Abuja on flooding in the country.

He also said over 300 persons have been killed and 100,000 others displaced over flooding since January 2022.

Among the states listed to experience flooding as a result of the dam opening are Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Niger, Nasarawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Cross River, Rivers, and Bayelsa.

The NEMA DG also warned that between now and the end of October, the Kainji, Shiroro, and Jebba dams could overflow, with a situation that may be worsened owing to the release of water from Cameroon.

“Based on our communication with the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, the Lagdo dam operators in the Republic of Cameroon commenced the release of excess water from the reservoir by September 13,” he said.

“We are aware that the released water cascades down to Nigeria through River Benue and its tributaries, thereby inundating communities that have already been impacted by heavy precipitation.

“The released water complicates the situation further downstream as Nigeria’s inland reservoirs, including Kainji, Jebba, and Shiroro, are also expected to overflow between now and October ending, according to Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency.

“According to Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, Kainji and Jebba dams have already started spilling excess water from their reservoirs.

“This will have serious consequences on frontline states and communities along the courses of rivers Niger and Benue.”

The agency also urged governments of the affected states to identify safe areas for evacuation, as well as make provisions for food items and other emergency response measures.