Urgent Flooding Alert: FG Warns of Impending Disasters Along Niger and Benue Rivers....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

As Nigeria battles the aftermath of severe flooding in Maiduguri, Borno State, and other regions, the Federal Government has raised a red alert about potential flooding along the Niger and Benue rivers. The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, announced this during a press briefing in Abuja, stressing the need for southern states to prepare for potential disasters.

Rising Waters Pose Threat

Utsev highlighted that a large volume of water is flowing through the Niger and Benue rivers toward the Niger Delta region. He urged communities in southern Nigeria to remain vigilant and adopt proactive measures to mitigate the potential impacts.

The flood disaster in Maiduguri, he explained, stemmed from the overflow of water from Alau Dam, located about 10 kilometers from Maiduguri city center. The Ngadda River, a major tributary of River Yedzaram, caused the overflow, severely impacting Maiduguri and the Jere area.

31 States Identified as High-Risk Flood Zones

According to the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, 31 states are considered high-risk zones, including Borno, Bauchi, Jigawa, Taraba, Yobe, Benue, and Gombe. The Federal Government has urged local authorities to brace for potential disasters as river levels continue to rise.

Minister Utsev, alongside Minister of State Bello Goronyo, visited Maiduguri to assess the devastation and expressed solidarity with Borno State’s leadership. Technical experts from various federal agencies are on the ground to evaluate the situation at Alau Dam and make necessary recommendations.

Flood Contaminates Water Sources

The Federal Government also warned citizens about the risk of waterborne diseases due to the contamination of water sources following the flooding. The minister emphasized the need to prevent outbreaks of communicable diseases as the nation recovers from the disaster.

Climate Change and Heavy Rainfall Blamed

Attributing the flooding to climate change and prolonged heavy rainfall, the Federal Government dispelled rumors that Alau Dam had collapsed. Despite earlier reports, the dam remained intact. However, the flood risk warning, issued earlier this year, correctly predicted Borno as one of the high-risk states.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) revealed that over 30 lives have been lost, and more than 400 people have been displaced since the flooding began on Tuesday. Earlier confusion over the cause of the flood, initially attributed to the collapse of the Alau Dam, has since been clarified.

Alau Dam Upgrade Announced

To prevent future disasters, the Federal Government announced plans to upgrade the Alau Dam. Prof. Utsev stressed the importance of a thorough overhaul of the dam’s infrastructure and warned that any delays or substandard work from contractors would face strict sanctions.

Police Recover Bodies

The Borno State Police Command confirmed the recovery of 11 bodies across different parts of the state. Joint efforts by law enforcement and emergency responders have been key in addressing the disaster.

Call for Immediate Action

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has urged the government to deploy emergency management agencies to manage the crisis and prevent further devastation. The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has also stepped up its monitoring efforts, warning facilities to comply with environmental regulations or face sanctions.

Preventative Measures Underway

The Federal Government has taken steps to prevent future flooding, such as initiating a six-month dredging project of the Ogun River. The dredging will widen and increase the river’s depth, ensuring it can accommodate more water and reduce flooding risks.