The Federal Government has provided preventive measures that should be taken towards preventing flooding in riverine communities, News About Nigeria reports.
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency gave these measures in a statement on Thursday.
In the statement, the NIHSA’s Director General, Umar Mohammed, urged riverine communities along the Rivers Benue and Niger to relocate to higher ground following significant rises in water levels due to continuous rainfall in the country this season.
He warned residents near the riverbanks to evacuate, as water levels in the River Benue had reached critical points, stating that their stay can be dangerous as the water can overflow at anytime, leading to flooding.
According to him, water gauge data from key stations, including Lokoja, Umaisha, Makurdi, and Ibbi, showed consistently high levels, exceeding nine meters between 9 and 15 October.
Mohammed also noted that the management of the Kainji and Jebba dams is closely monitoring and regulating water releases to mitigate downstream flooding along the Niger.
He, therefore, called for full cooperation with emergency response agencies and advised citizens to move to safer areas to avoid the worsening impact of the floods as the rainfall continues.
“Makurdi, in particular, has recorded dangerously high water levels, with Lokoja and other stations also nearing flood thresholds.
“Water gauge data from key stations, including Lokoja, Umaisha, Makurdi, and Ibbi, showed consistently high levels, exceeding nine meters between 9 and 15 October,” he stated.
Recall that several parts of the country, including Borno State, have been suffering from flooding due to the incessant rains this season.
