Nigeria, like many other countries, has experienced flooding due to factors like heavy rainfall, poor drainage systems, and urban development in flood-prone areas. All these causes seem to lead to far less catastrophe than our subject.
The Cause Of 2022 Floods & Predicted 2023’s
Climate change leads to rising water levels from dams, contributing to increased flood risks in Nigeria and other regions. As global temperatures rise, changes in precipitation patterns and more intense rainfall events lead to larger volumes of water flowing into reservoirs behind dams. These reservoirs become too full, the dams might need to release excess water, potentially causing downstream flooding.
Lagdo Dam Flood Gates On Benue River – The Immediate Threat
Releasing water from dams can indeed lead to flooding in certain circumstances. Controlled releases are often made to manage water levels and prevent dam overflows during heavy rainfall or high water inflow periods which eventually overwhelms downstream areas and causes flooding.
Proper dam management, flood forecasting, and communication with local communities are crucial to minimize the risk of flooding due to dam releases.
This mandated Nigeria’s Ministry for foreign affairs to make the following communications on the immediate threat to National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). The letter states:
“I have the honour to inform that the Ministry is in receipt of a Note Verbale from the High Commission of the Republic of Cameroon informing that Cameroonian officials have resolved to open the flood gates of the Lagdo Dam on the Benue River in days ahead due to the heavy rainfall around the Dam catchment area in Northern Cameroon,” the statement read.
“According to the Note, it is pertinent to note that when the release of water becomes necessary, the authorities of the Lagdo Dam will be releasing only modulated variable small amount of water at a time in order to mitigate and avoid damages that the released water may cause along the River Benue basin in both Cameroon and in Nigeria.”
“In view of the above, it would be appreciated if the esteemed Agency takes all the necessary proactive steps and actions that will mitigate the damage as well as sensitize the populace living in such areas for vigilance and all necessary precautions,” it added.
The plan clearly is that proper dam management, flood forecasting, and communication with local communities could minimize the risk of flooding due to dam releases.
Not ‘Immediate’ Threat But Prepare For The Worse
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, calls on the government at all levels to put measures in place to prevent flood emergencies.
Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) had observed an increase in the volume of flow along the River Benue system, registering a flow level of 8.97 meters today.
This is significant, as compared to a flow level of 8.80 meters on the same date in 2022.
According to Utsev, reports from inland dams including Kainji, Jebba, and Shiroro also showed a consistent flow regime.
“In Lokoja, the heightened flow volume along the River Benue system, the flow situation at the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers in Lokoja, Kogi State, remains within normal parameters.
“The flow level at the monitoring station downstream of the confluence records 7.80 meters today, compared to 8.24 meters on the same date in 2022.
“As at today, there is no threat to lives and properties, especially those states that are contiguous to Rivers Niger and Benue.”
The minister called on all tiers of government to ensure preparedness and deploy appropriate measures to minimise the potential impact of flooding during the peak of the rainy season.
