Niger Benue flood alert issued as rivers peak. Dam spill warnings put flood-prone communities in Niger, Kogi, Sokoto, and Adamawa at risk.
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has issued a Niger Benue flood alert, warning that water levels in the Niger and Benue rivers have surged to critical heights.
The agency emphasized that communities along the riverbanks face significant risks as heavy rainfall, tributary inflows, and dam spillages increase the likelihood of flooding.
Residents are urged to take immediate precautionary measures to safeguard lives and property.
In a statement released Thursday, signed by Director-General Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, NiHSA revealed that many tributaries feeding the Niger and Benue rivers—including Rima, Kaduna, and Gongola—have also reached critical levels.
These developments, coupled with excess water discharge from several major dams, have triggered the Niger Benue flood alert, highlighting the urgent need for preventive action.
The agency reported that Kainji and Jebba dams on the River Niger are currently spilling excess water, raising the threat of flooding in parts of Niger, Kwara, and Kogi states.
Communities most at risk include Kainji town, Patigi, New Bussa, Borgu, Mokwa, Jebba, Gungu, Gana, Fanga, Bele, Bere, Gaba, and Baro.
Residents have been urged to relocate to safer areas where necessary and avoid approaching riverbanks.
In Sokoto State, Goronyo Dam has reached its maximum capacity of 288 meters and is spilling at full rate. Flooding has been reported in Goronyo, Wamako, Shinaka, Yerimawa, Kurukuru, and surrounding areas.
Authorities have been advised to deploy emergency response teams and monitor affected regions closely to mitigate the impact of rising waters.
In Adamawa State, Kiri Dam on the Gongola River is also spilling, leading to flooding in communities such as Kiri, Tallum, Banjiram, Purokayo-Lakumna, and Shelleng.
NiHSA attributed additional flooding in Yola North, Yola South, Girei, and Numan to heavy rainfall and runoff within the Benue River catchment.
The agency emphasized that these combined factors have created a severe flood risk, triggering the Niger Benue flood alert across these regions.
While some dams are actively spilling, others remain a latent threat due to elevated water levels. Zungeru Dam on the River Niger is not currently spilling but maintains a high reservoir level that could overflow if rainfall persists.
Similarly, Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam on the Benue River is not spilling but has reached approximately 37 meters, just three meters below its design height. Continuous monitoring is critical to prevent downstream flooding.
NiHSA explained that the Niger Benue flood alert is the result of multiple factors. The ongoing rainy season has produced heavy, sustained rainfall, especially in northern and central Nigeria.
Swollen tributaries of the Niger and Benue rivers are increasing the volume of water in the main rivers.
Additionally, dam spillages—both controlled and emergency—have contributed to rising water levels downstream. The agency stressed that without timely preventive measures, vulnerable communities are at high risk.
Flood waves generated by overflowing rivers can travel long distances downstream, putting low-lying communities in Kogi, Kwara, Adamawa, and Sokoto states at danger.
NiHSA urged residents to take proactive steps such as moving valuables to higher ground, avoiding river crossings, and following evacuation directives from local authorities.
In response to the Niger Benue flood alert, affected state governments are coordinating emergency measures, including evacuation plans, emergency shelters, and the distribution of relief materials.
NiHSA continues to monitor river and dam levels, providing real-time updates to residents to reduce the risk of casualties.
Communities are encouraged to remain vigilant and prepare for potential flooding. Actions include clearing drainage channels, safeguarding livestock, securing crops, and relocating vulnerable populations to safer locations.
Farmers are particularly advised to protect their farmlands, as flooding can lead to extensive crop and property damage.
NiHSA emphasized that public awareness is vital for minimizing the impact of floods. Accurate and timely information about river levels, dam spillages, and rainfall patterns must reach residents in vulnerable areas.
Broadcast media, social media, and local warning systems have been identified as critical channels for disseminating flood alerts.
The agency also highlighted the importance of collaboration among federal, state, and local governments to implement flood mitigation strategies.
Measures such as embankment construction, dredging of river channels, and controlled water release from dams can significantly reduce flood risks in affected areas.
The Niger Benue flood alert underscores the urgent threat posed by peak river levels, overflowing dams, and seasonal rainfall.
Communities along the Niger and Benue rivers are at high risk, and proactive measures are essential to prevent loss of life and property.
NiHSA continues to monitor the situation closely, urging residents and authorities to prioritize safety and preparedness.
With rivers at critical heights and flood waves moving downstream, adherence to evacuation orders and precautionary guidelines could save lives and reduce the devastating effects of floods during this rainy season.
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