States and communities along the path of River Niger have been alerted to the rising water level of the river. The concerned authorities and people have therefore been warned to take preemptive measures, so as not to be caught unaware. The Director General Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, NIHSA, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed issued the alert on Friday.
Mohammed, in a statement, said the dams did not spill water from their reservoirs, hence the need for all the states and communities along the River Niger system to be on alert.
The statement by Mohammed explained that the situation in Niamey, in Niger Republic, was informed by upstream activities in both Niger and Mali, warning that the flood waters from these two countries are expected to move gradually into Nigeria through Kebbi State.
In his words, “The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), hereby brings to the attention of the general public the rising water levels of the River Niger system as of 23rd August 2024. This is due to among others a report from the Niger Basin Authority (NBA) in Niamey Niger Republic.
“The situation in Niamey is informed by upstream activities in both Niger and Mali. Flood waters from these two countries are expected to move gradually into Nigeria through Kebbi State.
“The dam’s operators at Kanji and Jebba on the River Niger have been informed and are prepared. It is important to note that as of 22nd August 2024, the dams are not spilling water from their reservoir”
He warned states along the River Niger system to be on alert by August ending and September, while assuring that NIHSA will continue to monitor the flood situation in the country, and provide periodic updates to the general public accordingly.
