BY ANTHONY OCHELA, ABUJA
Water levels along critical stations in the River Benue basin have surged to alarming heights, according to the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).
The agency said as of Saturday, September 21, the levels recorded were 6.3 meters at Wuro Boki, 5.04 meters at Jimeta Bridge, 8.2 meters at IBBI, 9.4 meters at Makurdi, and 8.68 meters at Lokoja.
With these figures nearing dangerous thresholds, NIHSA has issued a warning to states previously identified as high-risk flood zones, urging them to take immediate action.
The agency called for urgent implementation of containment measures or the preparation for possible water conveyance as part of flood management efforts.
“Given the steady increase in water levels, it is crucial that proactive measures are immediately put in place to mitigate the impacts of flooding,” NIHSA warned in its statement on Sunday.
The agency stressed that the failure to act could result in severe flooding, endangering lives, property, and infrastructure.
This alert follows weeks of heavy rainfall and heightened concerns over potential overflow from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon, which could exacerbate flood risks in Nigeria.
Earlier advisories highlighted regions within the Benue and Niger River basins as particularly vulnerable to flooding.
Communities along riverbanks and other flood-prone areas are urged to remain vigilant and adhere to safety guidelines issued by state emergency services.
The flooding risk is an annual challenge for many Nigerian states, particularly during the rainy season, and has been worsened by the effects of climate change.
NIHSA continues to monitor river conditions closely and has promised timely updates as the situation evolves.
Federal and state authorities are encouraged to coordinate efforts to reduce the impact of potential flooding on affected communities.
