The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has reassured Nigerians that water levels in the River Niger are currently under control as the nation prepares for potential flooding. In a statement released on Tuesday in Abuja, NIHSA’s Director-General, Mr. Umar Mohammed, emphasized the importance of adhering to flood preparedness protocols.
Mohammed reported that water levels in the River Niger Basin have been gradually receding since early October. He noted that the Jebba Dam is actively spilling excess water in coordination with operators of the Kainji Dam to manage the situation effectively.
“The Kainji Dam has maintained a 53-centimeter buffer to accommodate any changes in water inflow,” he stated. NIHSA, through its Director of Operational Hydrology, Mr. Femi Bejide, is collaborating closely with the operators of both Kainji and Jebba Dams to ensure effective reservoir management.
Despite the rainy season moving southward, water continues to enter Nigeria, as observed by NIHSA’s monitoring stations at Jidere Bode and Kende. Mohammed reiterated NIHSA’s commitment to partnering with dam authorities at national and international levels to mitigate river flooding and support Nigeria’s socio-economic growth.
He urged communities in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and adhere to safety guidelines, as NIHSA’s 2024 Annual Flood Outlook indicates that 148 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across 31 states are at high risk of flooding. The states identified include Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, and Kebbi, among others.
Previously, on September 25, NIHSA issued a warning regarding rising water levels, which have been steadily increasing.
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