Flood Fears Rise in 11 States as Lagdo Dam Starts Releasing Water

Following torrential rains and the recent disaster in Maiduguri, Borno State, caused by the collapse of the Alau Dam, residents in coastal states of Nigeria are anxious about the potential recurrence of similar tragedies due to the reported release of excess water from Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.

On September 17, 2024, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) issued a warning about the likelihood of severe flooding affecting approximately 11 states as a result of water being released from Lagdo Dam. The states at risk, which border the Benue River, include Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Rivers.

NIHSA urged residents and government officials in these areas to “heighten their vigilance and implement appropriate preparedness measures” to mitigate the potential impact of flooding, especially given the expected increase in flow levels of major rivers.

Although the recent flooding in Maiduguri and parts of Borno State was not directly caused by the release from Lagdo Dam, there are concerns that the dam’s release could result in even more severe consequences than those witnessed in 2022. Reports indicate that the water levels of the Niger and Benue Rivers are already rising, despite the Cameroonian authorities characterizing the release as gradual.

In Delta State, residents of communities such as Irri in Isoko South Local Government Area have begun relocating from flood-prone areas to higher ground due to rising water levels.

Emphasizing the need for evacuation from flood plains, NIHSA’s Director-General, Umar Muhammed, stated: “The water discharge is projected to increase to 1,000 m³/s over the next seven days, driven by inflow from the upstream Garoua River, which is a primary source for the reservoir and a major tributary of the Benue River.”

This warning has heightened concerns among those in the affected states, prompting local governments to expedite evacuations and provide support to internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Ezekiel Manzo, spokesperson for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), confirmed that the excess water release from Lagdo Dam is ongoing and contributing to the rising water levels of the Benue River. He explained that this release is crucial to prevent potential damage to the dam that could occur if its capacity is exceeded.

“A dam break would cause significant destruction in Nigeria, similar to the recent incident in Maiduguri involving the much smaller Alau Dam,” he cautioned.