Cameroon to Release Water from Lagdo Dam, 11 Nigerian States Warned of Potential Flooding
- As Cameroon prepares to release water from the Lagdo Dam, the federal government of Nigeria has issued an urgent alert to residents in 11 states
- This precautionary measure aims to mitigate potential flooding impacts along the Benue River system
- The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency has assured the public that the situation is under control, but urges vigilance and preparedness
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The federal government of Nigeria has issued an alert to residents in 11 states regarding the imminent release of water from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.
The alert was contained in a statement signed by Umar Muhammed, the director general and chief executive officer of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).
Source: Getty Images
According to the statement, the authorities of the Lagdo Dam will commence controlled water releases on Tuesday, September 17, 2024.
The initial discharge rate will be 100 cubic meters per second (m³/s), equivalent to 8,640,000 cubic meters per day.
FG issues urgent flood warning to 11 states
This rate is expected to progressively escalate to 1000 m³/s over the next seven days, depending on the inflow from the upstream Garoua River, which is the primary source feeding the reservoir and a significant tributary to the Benue River.
"The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency wishes to inform the general public that the authority of the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon have informed the agency that the dam management will begin regulated water releases at a rate of 100m³/s (8,640,000m³/day) today, 17th September 2024," the statement read.
"The water release is expected to increase gradually to 1000m³/s in the next seven days depending on the inflow from the upstream Garoua River."
Cameroon plans gradual water discharge
The statement further emphasized that the planned water discharges would be gradual.
The overflow from the Lagdo Dam is expected to cease once there is a noticeable reduction in the flow into the reservoir.
Despite the alert, NIHSA assured the public that there was no immediate cause for alarm.
However, NIHSA urged all states bordering the Benue River system—namely Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Rivers—to heighten their vigilance and implement appropriate preparedness measures. This is to mitigate potential flooding impacts that may arise due to increased flow levels in major rivers during this period.
The Lagdo Dam is situated in the Northern Province of Cameroon, on the Benue River, within the Niger basin. The lake created by the dam covers an area of 586 square kilometres.
Below is the statement from NIHSA:
Solomon Dayo, a climate advocate, spoke to Legit.ng on how Nigeria can balance economic development with environmental protection as a country with significant development needs:
"We need to protect our environment as she is the host of us all. Take the Global North for instance, the historical polluters like Great Britain, the United States and all prioritized profit and development over the people and planet, today we’re experiencing their actions and the people who didn’t contribute to the problem are experiencing it the worst. We can come to a balance by first prioritizing the people over profit, the development should come (building of industries, infrastructure and all) but it should be done in a way that won’t cause more problems to the communities. For instance, industries can filter their effluent before discharging into the water bodies, industries can implement real time climate projects to mitigate any possible impacts instead of organizing events, the government should invest in systems that will make life bearable for its citizens and reparations should be given to communities that are affected."
FG sends red alert to southern states
Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that the federal government warned the Niger Delta and southern states to prepare for potential flooding.
In addition, the government clarified that the recent flood in Maiduguri was caused by the overflow of the Ngadda River, contrary to earlier reports suggesting the collapse of the Alau Dam.
Proofreading by James, Ojo Adakole, journalist and copy editor at Legit.ng.
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