FG alerts 11 states as Cameroon releases water from Lagdo Dam

In response to the water release from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon, the Federal Government has issued a high alert warning to 11 states bordering the Benue River system, urging them to take the necessary precautions against potential flooding.

The states are Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross Rivers, and Rivers.

The warning is contained in a statement by the Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Arch. Umar Muhammed, a copy of which was obtained by Persecondnews in Abuja on Wednesday.

According to the statement, authorities of the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon began releasing water in a controlled manner starting yesterday, Tuesday, September 17, 2024.

It said the water discharge is anticipated to progressively escalate to 1000 m3/s over the next seven days based on the inflow from the upstream Garoua River.

The statement reads: “The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency wishes to notify the general public that the authorities of the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon have communicated to the agency that they will initiate controlled water releases at a rate of 100 m3/s (8,640,000 m3/day) starting today, 17 September 2023.

“The water discharge is anticipated to progressively escalate to 1000 m3/s over the next seven days based on the inflow from the upstream Garoua River, which serves as the primary source into the reservoir and a significant tributary to the Benue River.

“Nonetheless, the dam operators have indicated that the planned water discharges will be gradual to avoid surpassing the conveyance capacity of the Benue River system and triggering substantial flooding downstream in Nigeria.

“The overflow from the Lagdo Dam is projected to cease once there is a noticeable reduction in the flow into the Lagdo reservoir.

“The agency unequivocally states that there is no need for alarm as major flooding downstream in Nigeria is not anticipated since the flow levels along the Benue River are still within cautionary limits.

“Nevertheless, it is of utmost importance for all states bordering the Benue River system, namely: Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross Rivers, and Rivers, along with the government at all levels (federal, state, and LGAs), to heighten their vigilance and implement appropriate preparedness measures to mitigate potential flooding impacts that may arise due to an increase in flow levels of our major rivers during this period.

“The agency will continue to diligently monitor the flow conditions of the transboundary Benue River and the national inland rivers and consistently provide regular updates on water levels across major rivers to prevent further flood disasters.”

The Lagdo Dam, located in Cameroon’s Northern Province on the Benue River within the Niger Basin, has significant implications for Nigeria because of its transboundary water flow.

The controlled releases from this dam have historically raised concerns in Nigeria, as they impact multiple states, particularly those along the River Benue, which serves as a critical entry point.

According to Persecondnews, a devastating flood swept through Borno State last week, claiming the lives of over 30 people and affecting more than a million residents, leaving widespread destruction in its wake.