The Federal Government has issued an urgent alert about imminent flood risks in southern Nigeria, following a significant overflow from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam.
Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Mr. Uche Nnaji, explained that satellite 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 detected a rapid increase in overflow activity from the dam.
Initially, the overflow affected about 137 hectares of land between July 1 and July 31. However, this expanded sharply, reaching 2,053 hectares by the end of August, and a staggering 18,737 hectares by mid-September.
The government is particularly concerned about potential severe flooding in southern Nigeria’s low-lying areas, especially with the ongoing rainy season.
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 overflow from the dam could impact communities across several states, putting both agricultural lands and residential areas at risk of flooding. The minister assured that the government is mobilizing resources and implementing mitigation strategies to reduce potential damage and loss of life.
He also advised residents in flood-prone areas to consider temporary relocation, if necessary, to avoid the devastating consequences of possible flooding.
In addition to addressing the flood risks in the southern region, the Federal Government is also tackling other environmental concerns, such as the recent earth tremors in Mpape, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
On September 16, 2024, Mpape residents experienced a series of tremors, sparking widespread concern due to loud noises and noticeable ground movement. Data from NASRDA showed that the tremors included foreshocks and aftershocks, with the main tremor measuring a local magnitude of 3.1 at a depth of 11 kilometers.
The government has launched an investigation into the cause of these seismic activities and reassured the public that efforts are underway to provide accurate recommendations to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). Mr. Nnaji urged Mpape and Abuja residents to stay calm as monitoring and analysis continue.
Both the flood risks and seismic activities highlight the environmental challenges facing the nation. Authorities are urging affected communities to exercise caution and adhere to safety protocols while the government works to address these issues.