Lagdo Dam full, flooding imminent

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has alerted states and communities along River Benue of possible flooding following information from Cameroonian authorities that excess water would be released from Lagdo Dam.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Senior Information Officer of the agency, Mr Sani Datti, on Thursday.

The statement quoted the Director-General of the agency, Alhaji Mohammed Sani-Sidi, as saying that the Cameroonian authorities in Garuoa had indicated that between now and November 2015, there would be routine release of water from the dam.

According to him, Cameroon says the release of water is imperative due to the excess water being envisaged.

Sani-Sidi said that the authorities had also warned all those living around the dam and along River Benue in Garoua to be at alert and be ready for evacuation in case of any emergency.

He, however, urged the front-line state governors, State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), first respondents and all relevant authorities to be at alert of the risk.

The director-general also admonished them to prepare safe locations for possible evacuation as the agency, on its part, had alerted the affected state governors and was also following up with the appropriate advocacy.

The release of excess water from the dam in 2012 led to massive flooding in the country.

In 2013, both countries reached an agreement that Cameroon would give early warning, to enable Nigeria to put in place proactive measures to prevent destruction of lives and property.

(NAN)