ABUJA – The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has raised the alarm over the rising water levels at critical stations along the River Benue Basin, warning of potential widespread flooding.
A release on Sunday by NIHSA, revealed a steady increase in water levels, approaching the flood threshold.
According to NIHSA, “The water levels at our critical Stations along River Benue Basin as of Saturday, 21st September, 2024 shows steady increases towards the flooding level.
“Measures to contain or allow conveyance should be put in place in the States earlier warned by the Agency.”
It would be recalled that NIHSA had issued a release last Tuesday warning States that are contiguous to the River Benue system, to step up vigilance and deploy adequate preparedness measures to reduce possible impacts of flooding that may occur as a result of increase in flow levels of the major rivers at this period.
In a release signed by the Director General of NIHSA, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, said “It is highly imperative for all states that are contiguous to the river Benue system, namely: Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross-Rivers and Rivers; the government at all levels (Federal, State and LGAs) to step up vigilance and deploy adequate preparedness measures to reduce possible impacts of flooding that may occur as a result of increase in flow levels of our major rivers at this period.
“The Agency will continue to monitor closely the flow situation of the transboundary river Benue and the national inland rivers and steadily provide regular updates on water levels across major rivers to flood disasters.”
But the release on Sunday, NIHSA explained that, “Water levels recorded at key gauge stations are alarming, with Wuro Boki at 6.36 metres and Jimeta Bridge at 5.04 metres.
“Ibbi station stands at 8.2 metres, Makurdi at 9.4 metres, and Lokoja (Niger River) at 8.68 metres.”
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The release explained that the steadily rising waters, especially at Makurdi and Ibbi, have placed the River Benue Basin on high alert.
The Agency called for immediate preventive measures in States along the river, particularly those previously identified as flood-prone.
The NIHSA assured that it would monitor river levels and provide updates to help authorities and the general public to mitigate flood risks.
Mr Femi Bejide, Director, Operational Hydrology, NIHSA, has urged residents of the affected States to vacate flood plains immediately.
“The flooding we are seeing now is caused by heavy rainfall and precipitation. However, river flooding is about to start, and it will be severe.
“Communities in Bayelsa and Jigawa states, particularly vulnerable due to their geography, are expected to face heavy flooding.
“Authorities have been advising against building on flood plains, yet this remains a recurring issue.
“We have repeatedly told people to move from these areas, but the problem persists,” Bejide added.
The Director stated that many Nigerians are waiting for government palliatives, which have been politicised, thus, further complicating response efforts.
