Communities in parts of Nigeria have been placed on high alert as major hydroelectric dams in Niger State prepare to discharge excess water to safeguard their reservoirs.
The dams — Kainji, Jebba, Shiroro and Zungeru — are expected to release water following rising inflows from heavy rainfall and upstream rivers. The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has warned residents of riverine communities to immediately relocate to higher grounds to avert disaster.
Confirming the development, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) noted that water levels in the Rivers Niger and Kaduna have risen significantly, posing serious risks of overflow. “The situation could lead to catastrophic flooding downstream if precautionary measures are not taken,” an official said.
Already, reports indicate that Kainji and Jebba dams have commenced spilling water, while Shiroro and Zungeru remain under close monitoring. The authorities fear that uncontrolled flooding could displace thousands of households, destroy farmlands, and damage infrastructure across low-lying areas.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has dismissed rumours that water had been released from Lagdo Dam in Cameroon. According to officials, the dam currently has low water levels and no discharge has been carried out. The clarification follows widespread fears that water inflow from Lagdo could worsen flooding along the Benue River.
Emergency agencies are intensifying sensitisation efforts in vulnerable states. Residents living close to flood plains are being advised to evacuate early rather than wait for the floods to arrive.
With weather forecasts predicting more rainfall in the coming weeks, stakeholders are calling for urgent flood preparedness measures, including relocation centres, relief materials, and enhanced early warning systems to reduce casualties.
WATCH VIDEO OF RELEASE OF WATER
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