FG warns 11 states as Cameroon prepares to release water from Lagdo Dam
The Federal Government has issued a warning to Nigerians regarding the upcoming water release from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.
In a press statement on Tuesday, Umar Muhammed, Director General/CEO of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, confirmed that controlled water releases will begin on September 17, 2024.
The statement indicated that the discharge rate is expected to gradually increase to 1,000 m³/s over the next week due to inflows from the upstream Garoua River.
“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 100m³/s (8,640,000m³/day) starting today, 17 September 2023.
“The water discharge is anticipated to progressively escalate to 1000m³/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.
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“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 statement read in part.
“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,” it added.
The dam is located in the Northern Province of Cameroon, on the Benue River, in the Niger basin. The lake covers an area of 586.
The release of water from Lagdo Dam has been a longstanding concern for many in Nigeria, particularly since it impacts several states as the entry point for the River Benue.
Last week, Borno State experienced devastating floods that resulted in over 30 fatalities and affected more than a million residents.
Proofreading by Uchechi Ojo, Sub-editor at Neptune Prime.
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