The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has ordered the immediate evacuation of communities along River Benue and River Niger due to an impending flood threat.
This follows significant increases in water levels in the areas due to continuous rainfall.
In a statement on Thursday, Umar Mohammed, NIHSA’s director-general, said water gauge data from stations in Lokoja, Umaisha, Makurdi, and Ibbi show consistently high levels, exceeding nine meters between October 9 and 15.
“The map shows critical flood-prone zones across Nigeria, particularly around stations along the River Benue and River Niger,” Mohammed said.
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“Makurdi, in particular, has recorded dangerously high water levels, with Lokoja and other stations also nearing flood thresholds.”
Mohammed noted that the management of the Kainji and Jebba dams are monitoring and controlling water releases to prevent downstream flooding in Niger state.
Mohammed urged cooperation with emergency response agencies and advised residents to relocate to safer areas to mitigate the worsening impacts of the floods as rainfall persists.
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He emphasised the need for collective efforts to build resilience against flooding, which had become an annual challenge for many communities in the country.
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