By Fatima Saka
The Federal Government has debunked reports that Cameroon has commenced the release of water from the Lagdo Dam, saying the claims are false and should be disregarded by members of the public.
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA), in a statement signed by its Director-General/CEO, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, said the Lagdo Dam Authority was currently impounding water into the reservoir and not releasing it.
According to the agency, available reservoir operation data showed that the water level at Lagdo Reservoir currently stands at 209.82 metres, against a maximum operating level of 216 metres, leaving a 6.18-metre capacity for additional water to be impounded.
NiHSA was reacting to reports circulating on electronic and social media platforms alleging that water released from the Cameroonian dam was responsible for flooding in the Benue River Basin, particularly in Taraba and Benue States.
The agency also disclosed that the two major inland dams on the River Niger, Kainji and Jebba, were experiencing low inflows compared with their long-term averages.
It said Kainji Reservoir currently stands at 130.38 metres, against a maximum operating level of 141.83 metres, while Jebba Reservoir is at 100.03 metres, a level described as within its normal operating range.
NiHSA therefore urged Nigerians not to panic, stressing that there was currently no cause for alarm regarding water releases from the major dams.
The agency attributed the flooding currently being experienced in various parts of the country mainly to flash floods caused by intense and prolonged rainfall, worsened by poor drainage systems, indiscriminate waste disposal and unauthorised urban development.
NiHSA further warned the public against relying on unverified information circulating on social media and other informal channels, noting that any water release from Lagdo Dam capable of affecting downstream communities in Nigeria would be handled through established dam-management procedures.
Such releases, it added, would be communicated through appropriate official channels.
READ ALSO: Xenophobic Attacks: Tinubu Drag’s South Africa to AU, Urges Urgent Action
BEFORE THE LEOPARD’S TAIL METAMORPHOSES INTO THE LEOPARD
The agency assured Nigerians that the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and NiHSA were closely monitoring the Lagdo Reservoir, inland rivers and other relevant water bodies across the country.
It said it would continue to provide reliable, impact-based flood information and early warnings to protect lives, livelihoods and property.
About The Author
