Flood Alert: FG asks residents along Rivers Benue, Niger to vacate

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued an urgent flood warning to communities along the Rivers Benue and Niger, following significant rises in water levels due to continuous rainfall.

NIHSA’s Director General, Umar Mohammed, in a statement on Thursday, urged residents near the riverbanks to evacuate, as water levels in the River Benue had reached critical points.

He said the water gauge data from key stations such as Lokoja, Umaisha, Makurdi, and Ibbi showed consistently high levels, exceeding nine meters between October 9 and October 15.

“The map shows critical flood-prone zones across Nigeria, particularly around stations along the River Benue and River Niger.

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“Makurdi, in particular, has recorded dangerously high-water levels, with Lokoja and other stations also nearing flood thresholds,” Mohammed warned.

Mohammed warned that the management of the Kainji and Jebba dams are closely monitoring and controlling water releases to prevent downstream flooding along the Niger.

Mohammed called for full cooperation with emergency response agencies and advised citizens to move to safer areas to avoid the worsening effects of the floods as rainfall continues.