The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) on Thursday warned that Rivers Niger and Benue have reached peak water levels, posing imminent flood risks to communities along their banks.
In a statement signed by its Director General, Muhammad Umar, the agency urged residents in flood-prone areas to take urgent precautionary measures to protect their lives and property.
“Rivers Niger and Benue have reached peak levels, thereby posing a threat of flooding to surrounding areas,” Umar said. “Communities along the rivers must take proactive steps to safeguard lives and property.”
The DG added that tributaries such as Rima, Kaduna, and Gongola have also peaked, while several major dams across the country are spilling excess water due to the heavy rains.
Kainji Dam is currently releasing water, putting Kainji town, Patigi, New Bussa, Borgu, Mokwa, and other Niger and Kwara State communities at risk.
Jebba Dam is spilling in coordination with Kainji, threatening Jebba, Gungu, Fanga, Bere, Gaba, Baro, and surrounding Kogi and Kwara communities.
Goronyo Dam in Sokoto has reached maximum capacity and is spilling at full rate, already causing flooding in Goronyo, Wamako, Shinaka, Yerimawa, and nearby settlements.
Kiri Dam in Adamawa is also spilling, leading to flooding in Shelleng, Tallum, Banjiram, Purokayo-Lakumna, and surrounding areas.
NiHSA, however, clarified that Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam has not released water. Instead, the flooding currently hitting Adamawa communities such as Yola North, Yola South, Girei, and Numan is due to heavy rainfall and internal runoff within the Benue River basin.
Umar disclosed that the Lagdo Dam reservoir stands at 37 meters, still three meters short of its full capacity, leaving room for storage.
He assured that the agency is working closely with dam authorities to monitor water levels and mitigate flooding impacts on vulnerable populations.
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