The Federal Government has called on Nigerians to clear their canals, drainages, and gutters as a preventive measure against potential flooding.
This appeal comes in response to rising water levels at critical stations along the River Benue, as indicated by a dam update report from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) on Sunday.
The NIHSA report highlighted a steady increase in water levels, signaling potential flood risks. As of Saturday, the levels remain at flood preparedness status but are steadily rising.
In a statement signed by the agency’s Head of Media and Publicity, Lauretta Samuel, NIHSA urged twelve flood-prone states previously warned to implement measures to manage and convey the water. The states are expected to take immediate action to mitigate the risk of severe flooding.
This warning follows the overflow of the Alau Dam, which caused unprecedented flooding in Maiduguri, Borno State, marking one of the worst flood incidents in Nigeria’s history.
The government’s plea is aimed at preventing similar disasters across other vulnerable regions of the country.