Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, NIHSA, has issued an urgent warning to Nigerians living near riverbanks along the River Benue Basin to evacuate immediately to safer areas due to rising water levels caused by heavy rainfall.
The Director-General of NIHSA, Umar Mohammed in a statement, stated that water on the River Benue has reached flooding levels, posing a significant risk to nearby communities.
Mohammed advised those living along the River Niger to relocate to safer grounds as the management of Kainji and Jebba Dams work to control the floodwaters.
This warning comes after the recent release of water from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon, which has historically contributed to flooding in Nigeria.
The country has experienced devastating floods in recent years, resulting in significant loss of life, displacement, and destruction.
Cyber Reporters gathered that in 2022, flooding claimed 665 lives, displaced over 2.4 million people, and affected nearly 4.5 million.
The following year, floods affected thousands, causing 28 deaths and displacing over 48,000.
Even in 2024, flooding between April and September affected over 1 million people, displaced 625,239, and killed 259.
NIHSA urged Nigerians to cooperate with emergency management agencies to build resilience against flooding and minimize its effects.
The agency stresses the importance of prioritizing safety and taking this warning seriously.
