The Federal Government has issued an urgent warning regarding impending flood risks in the southern region of Nigeria, following alarming overflow from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.
According to the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Mr. Uche Nnaji, space-based monitoring by the United Nations Platform for Space-Based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response (UNSPIDER), hosted by the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), has revealed significant and rapidly increasing overflow activities from the dam.
The overflow, which initially affected around 137 hectares of land between July 1 and July 31, has seen a sharp rise over the past two months. By the end of August, the affected area had expanded to 2,053 hectares, and by mid-September, this figure surged dramatically to 18,737 hectares.
The government’s concern stems from the potential for catastrophic flooding in low-lying areas of southern Nigeria, especially as the rainy season progresses.
Mr. Nnaji, during a ministerial briefing, stressed the need for residents of the southern states to remain vigilant and heed all official warnings. He stated, “The flood risks posed by the Lagdo Dam overflow are significant, and we are actively collaborating with international and local agencies to monitor the situation and ensure that early warnings are effectively communicated to the public.”
The dam’s overflow could affect communities across several states, with both agricultural lands and residential areas at risk of being submerged. The minister assured that the government is mobilizing resources and working on mitigation strategies to minimize the potential damage and loss of life.
He also encouraged residents of flood-prone areas to consider temporary relocation, where necessary, to avoid being caught in the devastating aftermath of potential flooding.
In addition to the flood risks in the southern region, the Federal Government is also addressing other environmental challenges, such as the recent earth tremors in Mpape, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
On September 16, 2024, residents of Mpape experienced a series of earth tremors, which triggered widespread alarm due to loud noises and noticeable ground shaking. According to data analyzed by NASRDA, the tremors included foreshocks and aftershocks, with the main tremor recording a local magnitude of 3.1 at a focal depth of 11 kilometers.
The government has initiated an investigation into the root cause of these seismic activities, reassuring the public that efforts are underway to provide accurate recommendations to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). Mr. Nnaji urged residents of Mpape and Abuja at large to remain calm, as further monitoring and analysis are ongoing.
Both the flood risks and seismic activities serve as a stark reminder of the environmental challenges facing the country. Authorities are urging affected communities to remain cautious and follow safety guidelines as the government continues its efforts to address these issues.
