The Nigerian government has issued a flood alert following the release of water from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon, warning several states to prepare for potential flooding. The director-general of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Umar Mohammed made this announcement in a press statement dated September 17, 2024 and made available to Science Nigeria.
While Mohammed assured the public that major flooding is not expected in Nigeria, he noted that 11 states – Adamawa, Taraba, Kogi, Nasarawa, Benue, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Cross River and Rivers – should remain vigilant and take proactive measures to mitigate the potential impact of water released from the dam.
The Lagdo Dam, located in Cameroon’s northern province on the Benue River, plays a crucial role in managing water flow within the Niger Basin. The release of water from the dam is expected to be gradual, starting at a rate of 100m³/s (8.64 million m³/day) and potentially increasing to 1000m³/s over the next seven days, depending on the inflow from the upstream Garoua River. This river is the main contributor to the Lagdo reservoir, which in turn feeds into Nigeria’s Benue River.
Historical data underscores the risk of flooding from the dam. In 2022, water released from Lagdo Dam led to significant flooding in Nigeria, killing 603 people, displacing 1.4 million, injuring 2,400 and destroying over 82,000 homes and 332,327 hectares of farmland. This disaster raised concerns about the timing of alerts, as NIHSA previously alleged that it received notification from Cameroon a week after the water release had begun.
In response to the 2024 water release, NIHSA reassured the public that the dam managers in Cameroon are taking precautions to avoid overwhelming the Benue River’s capacity. “The water releases will be gradual to prevent exceeding the conveyance capacity of the Benue River system and causing major flooding downstream in Nigeria,” said Mohammed.
However, the NIHSA also urged all affected states to heighten their flood preparedness, warning that while catastrophic flooding is not expected, the rising water levels could still lead to localised flooding. “The federal, state and local governments must increase vigilance and take adequate preparedness measures to reduce possible impacts of flooding as the flow levels of our major rivers rise,” Mohammed added.
NIHSA will continue to monitor the situation closely, providing regular updates on water levels across major rivers in order to prevent future disasters. While the federal government and state authorities are taking steps to address the situation, local communities are encouraged to stay alert and follow all safety guidelines.
The risk of flooding has already been exacerbated in 2024, with Borno State experiencing one of the worst flood disasters in recent history. The state capital, Maiduguri, was severely impacted, leading to loss of life and the displacement of hundreds of thousands. This disaster has compounded the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the state, which has already been devastated by years of armed conflict.
The gradual release of water from the Lagdo Dam presents both advantages and challenges:
Advantages:
1. Controlled Water Flow: The planned release of water in gradual stages helps prevent sudden flooding, giving authorities time to prepare and mitigate potential damage.
2. Flood Monitoring: Continuous monitoring by NIHSA allows for timely updates on water levels, which can help state and local governments deploy resources where needed.
3. Water Resource Management: The controlled release also allows better management of water resources in both Nigeria and Cameroon, benefiting agricultural activities and other water-dependent industries downstream.
Disadvantages:
1. Localised Flooding Risks: Even with gradual water releases, low-lying areas near rivers remain at high risk of localised flooding, which could lead to loss of property and displacement of residents.
2. Timing of Alerts: While the government has issued a timely alert in 2024, previous instances, such as in 2022, highlight the potential risk of delayed notifications, which can hinder effective flood preparedness.
3. Economic Impact: Flooding, even when controlled, can still result in significant economic losses, especially for farmers and those dependent on river systems for livelihoods.
As Nigeria braces for the potential impact of the Lagdo Dam water release, it remains critical for both the government and local communities to work together to mitigate the risks and protect lives and properties.
