By Hussein J-Isah
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency ,NIHSA, has issued a flood alert warning to communities along the Rivers Benue and Niger, sequel to the rise in water levels as a result of continuous rainfall.
In a statement on Thursday, NIHSA’s Director General, Umar Mohammed appealed to residents along the riverbanks to evacuate, as water levels in the River Benue had risen to critical points.
According to the DG, 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.
“Makurdi, in particular, has recorded dangerously high-water levels, with Lokoja and other stations also nearing flood thresholds,” NISHA boss warned.
He informed that the management of the Kainji and Jebba dams are closely monitoring and controlling water releases to prevent downstream flooding along the Niger, calling for full cooperation with emergency response agencies and advised residents to move to safer areas to avoid the negative consequences of the floods as rainfall continues in the areas based on forecast.
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