Heavy flood looms in Nigeria as Cameroon set to dam

In an official statement, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has alerted the Nigerian population about an upcoming major flood.

The flood is anticipated due to the imminent release of water from the Lagdo Dam on the Benue River by Cameroonian authorities.

NEMA has confirmed that flooding will affect both Nigeria and Cameroon, as the dam will be releasing a controlled and variable quantity of water.

In response, NEMA has urged relevant organizations to educate the public on flood-prevention measures, encouraging their active participation.

I have the honour to inform that the Ministry is in receipt of a Note Verbale from the High Commission of the Republic of Cameroon informing that Cameroonian officials have resolved to open the flood gates of the Lagdo Dam on the Benue River in days ahead due to the heavy rainfall around the Dam catchment area in Northern Cameroon, the statement read.

According to the Note, it is pertinent to note that when the release of water becomes necessary, the authorities of the Lagdo Dam will be releasing only modulated variable small amount of water at a time in order to mitigate and avoid damages that the released water may cause along the River Benue basin in both Cameroon and in Nigeria.

In view of the above, it would be appreciated if the esteemed Agency takes all the necessary proactive steps and actions that will mitigate the damage as well as sensitize the populace living in such areas for vigilance and all necessary precautions, it added.