Nigeria is on high alert following a dire warning issued by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) on Friday regarding the escalating water levels in the River Niger system.
The agency’s Director-General, Mr. Umar Mohammed, emphasized that floodwaters from upstream countries, notably Niger and Mali, are steadily making their way towards Nigeria, with the state of Kebbi set to be impacted first.
This development, which is attributed to increased hydrological activities upstream, was reported by the Niger Basin Authority (NBA) based in Niamey, Niger Republic.
Mr. Mohammed stated that the situation necessitates urgent vigilance from local communities, especially those residing along the banks of the River Niger system, as the risk of severe flooding is anticipated to peak between the end of August and early September.
“Floodwaters from upstream activities in Niger and Mali are gradually moving towards Nigeria, starting with Kebbi,” said Mr. Mohammed in his statement. He underscored the agency’s commitment to monitoring the situation and providing timely updates to both the public and relevant authorities.
Dams on Alert, but No Spillage Yet
The NIHSA has been working closely with dam operators at the Kainji and Jebba dams, both situated on the River Niger.
Mr. Mohammed confirmed that the operators have been notified of the rising water levels and are on high alert, ready to implement emergency measures if necessary.
As of August 22, however, the agency reported that neither dam is currently spilling water from its reservoirs, a sign that the situation remains under control for the time being.
The Director-General reassured the public that NIHSA will continue to collaborate with dam operators to mitigate potential flood risks.
“We are closely monitoring the situation at the Kainji and Jebba dams, and we have ensured that the operators are fully prepared to respond to any emergency. Right now, the dams are holding, but we must remain vigilant as the peak of the flood risk is still ahead of us,” Mr. Mohammed stated.
Historical Context and Potential Impact
Nigeria has faced catastrophic flooding in the past, most notably during the 2012 flood disaster, which was the most devastating episode of seasonal floods in a decade.
According to the World Economic Forum, the 2012 floods resulted in over 600 deaths and displaced more than 1.3 million people from their homes. Additionally, more than 200,000 houses and 266,000 acres of farmland were either partially or completely destroyed.
The last major flood emergency occurred between July and October 2012, when both the Niger and Benue rivers overflowed their banks, inundating vast areas and causing widespread destruction.
The flooding had far-reaching effects on the country’s infrastructure, agricultural sector, and overall economy. Given this historical context, the NIHSA’s warning has prompted widespread concern among residents and government agencies alike.
Communities along the River Niger system have been urged to take precautionary measures, including the possibility of early evacuation, to minimize the impact of potential flooding.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has also been collaborating with NIHSA to provide weather forecasts and flood predictions. NiMet has been instrumental in issuing alerts about heavy rainfall and providing valuable data to help manage the flood risk.
Government Response and Public Safety Measures
The Nigerian government has already begun taking preemptive measures to mitigate the potential impact of the rising water levels.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has activated its disaster response teams in vulnerable states and is coordinating with state governments to ensure that evacuation plans and temporary shelters are in place.
NEMA’s spokesperson, Mr. Manzo Ezekiel, stated that the agency is prepared for the worst-case scenario but hopes that proactive measures will prevent another catastrophe.
“We are working closely with NIHSA, NiMet, and other stakeholders to ensure that we are fully prepared for any eventuality.
The safety of our citizens is our top priority, and we are doing everything we can to minimize the impact of potential flooding,” Mr. Ezekiel said.
Public health officials have also issued warnings about the potential spread of waterborne diseases in the event of widespread flooding.
Residents in flood-prone areas have been advised to prioritize hygiene and ensure that they have access to clean drinking water.
The Road Ahead
As Nigeria braces for the possibility of another major flood event, authorities are urging citizens to remain calm but vigilant.
The NIHSA, NiMet, and other agencies are working around the clock to monitor the situation and provide timely updates.
However, the memory of the 2012 floods serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact that flooding can have on lives and livelihoods.
With the flood risk expected to peak in the coming weeks, the nation remains on edge, hoping that preventive measures and timely interventions will avert another disaster.
For now, all eyes are on the River Niger and the looming threat that it may once again overflow its banks.
