The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has just issued an urgent flood warning to communities close to the Rivers Benue and Niger, after the significant rises in water levels as a result of the continuous rainfall.
Umar Mohammed, NIHSA’s Director General, through a statement made public on Thursday, implored residents near the riverbanks to move out, as water levels in the River Benue had gotten to critical points.
Mohammed added that the water gauge data from notable stations like Lokoja, Umaisha, Makurdi, and Ibbi indicated consistently high levels, exceeding nine meters between October 9 and October 15.
“The map shows critical flood-prone zones across Nigeria, particularly around stations along the River Benue and River Niger.
“Makurdi, in particular, has recorded dangerously high-water levels, with Lokoja and other stations also nearing flood thresholds,” Mohammed warned.
The NIHSA DG also warned that the management of the Kainji and Jebba dams are closely monitoring and controlling water releases to prohibit downstream flooding along the Niger.
He, however, called for full cooperation with emergency response agencies and advised citizens to move to safer locations so as to avoid the worsening effects of the floods as rainfall continues.