Massive Flood Looms In Nigeria As Cameroon Set To Open Dam

• NEMA warns of upcoming massive flood due to Lagdo Dam release in Cameroon; urges public awareness and flood-mitigation actions
• Lagdo Dam to release modulated water; NEMA advises precautions and vigilance, as both Nigeria and Cameroon brace for flooding

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has warned Nigerians to brace themselves for a massive flood in the coming days, as Cameroon prepares to open the Lagdo Dam on the Benue River.

NEMA made the announcement in a recent statement signed by Ambassador Umar Salisu, Director of African Affairs.

The agency confirmed that flooding will occur in both Nigeria and Cameroon because Lagdo Dam authorities will release a modulated variable small amount of water.

As a result, it urged stakeholder organizations to educate the public so that they can participate in flood-mitigation activities.

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.