KEY POINTS
- NIHSA has warned 11 states of potential severe flooding due to water released from Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.
- Many residents in flood-prone areas are ignoring evacuation orders despite government warnings.
- Northern and southern states are taking measures to prepare, but cultural resistance and logistical challenges remain.
According to the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the recent Alau Dam accident in Borno State is disastrous and could result in extensive destruction throughout the state.
Nigerians in coastal states are afraid that similar calamities will strike again after news of water being released from Lagdo Dam in Cameroon and heavy rainfall that caused the collapse of Alau Dam in Maiduguri, Borno State. The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) issued a warning of possible catastrophic flooding in 11 states on September 17, 2024. These states are Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross-Rivers, and Rivers
Evacuation orders and public disregard
The NIHSA advised residents and local governments to be more watchful and to take precautions against flooding. According to the report, the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon will start controlled water release at a rate of 100 cubic meters per second. Over the course of the following week, the flow is anticipated to grow.
Residents in flood-prone areas were advised to move to safer areas by the NIHSA on September 19. Relocation orders are ignored by many in the impacted states, who continue to be disobedient despite these warnings.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) verified the release of surplus water from Lagdo Dam and stated that NEMA had taken this into account when planning for this year’s floods. The spokesperson for NEMA is Ezekiel Manzo. In order to warn people and prepare rescue supplies, NEMA has activated offices in states that are prone to flooding.
Flood preparedness in Northern States
Anxiety is high in northern states, particularly Adamawa, Taraba, and Benue, which border Cameroon. Many residents are preparing for the worst as they await the arrival of floodwaters.
Benue, the home of the Benue River remains particularly vulnerable. In order to coordinate disaster response, the state administration has put towns in flood-prone areas on high alert and formed a technical council on flood preparedness.
Although Benue’s governor, Hyacinth Alia, reassured citizens that preparations for flooding have been made. However, he expressed dissatisfaction over the reluctance of certain citizens to evacuate the flood-prone areas.
According to a report by Vanguard, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa has also advised locals who live near the flood path to leave right away. Many have declined, citing taboos associated with abandoning their ancestral homes.
Southern States mobilize for potential flooding
The government of Kogi State, located where the Niger and Benue Rivers meet, has set up 42 camps for internally displaced people (IDPs). The maximum water levels of the year have already been reached in Lokoja, with 8.9 million cubic meters. The state, NEMA, and municipal authorities are coordinating flood preparedness activities.
In Taraba State, officials expect seven of the sixteen local government units to experience floods. To prepare for the possible calamity, the state administration has assembled a flood management team and is working with other organisations.
In order to keep an eye on the situation, Cross River officials have started awareness campaigns and are working with federal agencies. The state administration in Delta is clearing clogged drains and has created IDP camps.
In Cross River, officials have launched awareness campaigns and are collaborating with federal agencies to monitor the situation. In Delta, the state government has opened IDP camps and is working to clear blocked drains.
While Lagdo Dam continues to release water, Nigerian authorities are working quickly to lessen the effects of possible floods. Nonetheless, a major obstacle still exists because many locals are reluctant to go.
