Lokoja, Nigeria – The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued an urgent flood warning to communities along the Rivers Benue and Niger due to significant rises in water levels from continuous rainfall. NIHSA’s Director General, Umar Mohammed, made the announcement in a statement on Thursday, urging residents living near the riverbanks to evacuate as the water levels in the River Benue have reached critical points.
Data from key monitoring stations, including Lokoja, Umaisha, Makurdi, and Ibbi, indicate alarmingly high water 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,” Mohammed warned.
Additionally, Mohammed stated that the management of the Kainji and Jebba dams is closely monitoring water releases to prevent downstream flooding along the Niger. He emphasized the need for full cooperation with emergency response agencies and advised citizens to relocate to safer areas to mitigate the impact of worsening floods as the rainfall continues.