…Vulnerable Residents Must Relocate, NIHSA Warns
The Federal Government has warned residents of flood prone areas in Kogi, Benue, Bayelsa and Jigawa state to relocate as water levels are expected to rise to critical levels.
A report released on Sunday by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) said areas along the River Benue Basin may witness flooding soon.
The agency said there has been a steady increase in water levels which is approaching the flood threshold.
The agency advised immediate preventive measures in states along the river, particularly those previously identified as flood-prone.
“Water levels recorded at key gauge stations are alarming, with Wuro Boki at 6.36 metres and Jimeta Bridge at 5.04 metres.
“Ibbi station stands at 8.2 metres, Makurdi at 9.4 metres, and Lokoja (Niger River) at 8.68 metres,” the report said.
“The water levels at our critical stations along the River Benue Basin as of Saturday, September 21, 2024, show steady increases towards flood levels,” NIHSA stated.
The agency stressed the urgency of improving water conveyance and flood containment to protect vulnerable communities.
It added that they would monitor river levels and provide updates to help authorities and the public mitigate flood risks.
Femi Bejide, Director, Operational Hydrology, NIHSA, urged residents of flood prone areas to vacate flood plains immediately.
“The flooding we are seeing now is caused by heavy rainfall and precipitation. However, river flooding is about to start, and it will be severe.
“Communities in Bayelsa and Jigawa states are particularly vulnerable due to their geography.
“Authorities have advised against building on flood plains, yet this remains a recurring issue.
“We’ve repeatedly told people to move from these areas, but the problem persists,” Bejide added.
The director stated that many Nigerians are waiting for government palliatives, which have become politicised, further complicating response efforts.