FG warns of flood risk as Cameroon begins water release of Lagdo Dam

The Federal Government has alerted Nigerians to the controlled water release from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam, starting September 17, 2024.

This was disclosed by the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, of Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, Umar Muhammed.

According to the statement authorities of the dam would begin the controlled water releases starting Tuesday.

They added that the water discharge is anticipated to progressively escalate to 1000m³/s over the next seven days based on the inflow from the upstream Garoua River.

It read …

“The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency wishes to notify the general public that the authorities of the Lagdo dam in Cameroon have communicated to the agency that they will initiate controlled water releases at a rate of 100m³/s (8,640,000m³/day) starting today, September 17, 20

The water discharge is anticipated to progressively escalate to 1000m³/s over the next seven days based on the inflow from the upstream Garoua River, which serves as the primary source into the reservoir and a significant tributary to the Benue River.

Nonetheless, the dam operators have indicated that the planned water discharges will be gradual to avoid surpassing the conveyance capacity of the Benue River system and triggering substantial flooding downstream in Nigeria.

The overflow from the Lagdo dam is projected to cease once there is a noticeable reduction in the flow into the Lagdo reservoir.”

States bordering the Benue River system, along with federal, state, and local governments, such as Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross-Rivers, and Rivers are advised to increase vigilance and prepare for potential flooding.

This is due to expected rises in river flow levels. The relevant agency will closely monitor river conditions and provide regular updates to prevent flood disasters.