… Says Rivers, Niger, Benue have reached highest warning points
…Asks residents to relocate to high places
BY MYKE UZENDU
The National Emergency Management Agency, (NEMA) has issued a warning to residents living along the river bank in Adamawa, Kogi, Taraba, Nasarawa, Edo, Anambra, Kogi, Benue, and others to relocate to high places as there are strong indications that major cities across Nigeria may witness an unprecedented flood, as the water level in River Benue at Yola, Adamawa State, as of Monday, September 23, 2024, reached the highest warning point at 8.7 metres, while the level in Makurdi has entered the red alert at 9.63 metres.
NEMA in a statement issued Tuesday, also listed other states like Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Kwara and Niger as the frontline states that could be affected by high flood, if the River Benue and Niger overflow their banks
The Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) had earlier issued information that Cameroonian authorities have commenced the intermittent release of excess water from Lagdo Dam, which in addition to the high rainfalls in Nigeria have led to the rising water levels in Rivers Benue and Niger.
The statement noted however that NEMA has in response to the development, initiated contacts with the identified state governments and relevant stakeholders ahead of a highly probable flood disaster that may occur in communities at risk, especially those close to the rivers.
NEMA Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, however, assured that the agency has also activated the agency’s operation offices, deployed technical staff, and prepositioned critical equipment for timely response search and rescue as well as evacuation to safer higher grounds.
She noted that the observed water level as of Monday, September 23, 2024, in River Benue at Yola has reached the highest warning point at 8.7 metres, while the level in Makurdi has entered the red alert at 9.63 metres.
It added that the situation in Lokoja was also observed to be alarming, as the level has reached 8.89 metres with flooding already recorded upstream in Kebbi State.
Reports from the NEMA Minna Operations office also indicate the onset of a flood disaster along Riparian communities in Niger State with human displacement and damage to infrastructure. Damage and loss assessment is already ongoing.
“With the activation and deployment, NEMA operation offices and technical officers will work with the relevant state ministries, departments, and agencies in order to establish Emergency Operation Centres (EOCs) for coordination and activation of local actors for the emergency response.
“These will include advocacy for communities at risk, evacuation planning, identification of high safe ground for temporary shelters, and prepositioning of equipment for evacuation and rescue.
“Sector leads have also been alerted to provide priority needs to the impacted persons in the event of displacement of persons to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps and other safer locations.
“Furthermore, NEMA is coordinating with the Military, Nigeria Police, and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to deploy their disaster response personnel, Police Marine and Disaster Management Unit operatives, respectively, where necessary, and the Nigerian Red Cross Society to also activate volunteers.”
NEMA DG advised residents in flood-prone areas, especially communities along Rivers Benue and Niger, to remain vigilant and cooperate with emergency service providers as the agency continues to monitor the situation closely.