Mohammed Shosanya
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency(NIHSA), has raised the alarm over the rising water level of the River Niger as of August 22, 2024.
The alert comes in response to a report from the Niger Basin Authority in Niamey, Niger Republic, indicating that upstream activities in Niger and Mali have contributed to the situation.
A statement on Friday signed by the Director General of NIHSA, Umar Mohammed, explained that, “Flood waters from these two countries are expected to move gradually into Nigeria through Kebbi State.”
He noted that dam operators at Kainji and Jebba on the River Niger have been informed and are fully prepared to manage the situation.
“It is important to note that as at August 22, 2024, the dams are not spilling water from their reservoirs,” Mohammed said.
NIHSA has advised States and communities along the River Niger system to be on high alert as the flood waters are anticipated to peak towards the end of August and into September.
The agency assured all that it “will continue to monitor the flood situation in the country and provide periodic updates to the general public accordingly.”
