NIHSA Warns Against Flood In River Benue, Niger

As Nigeria braces for yet another season of devastating floods, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued a stark warning to communities along River Benue and River Niger to evacuate immediately.

In a statement released on Thursday, NIHSA Director-General Umar Mohammed described the situation as dire, with water levels rising rapidly and threatening to surpass critical flood thresholds at several stations.

Mohammed urged residents to take the warning seriously and cooperate with emergency response agencies, emphasizing the importance of taking precautions to mitigate the impact of the floods.

The floods, which have become an annual hazard in Nigeria, are expected to compound the already severe humanitarian crisis facing the country. With many communities still reeling from the aftermath of previous disasters, the impact of this year’s floods is likely to be catastrophic.

The government has called for increased international aid and support to address the humanitarian needs of those affected. Meanwhile, concerns are mounting over the country’s capacity to prevent and respond to natural disasters, as well as the long-term implications of climate change.

As the floods continue to wreak havoc across the country, experts are warning that the situation may worsen in the coming weeks, with heavy rainfall expected to persist and further exacerbate the crisis.

The floods, which have already claimed many lives and displaced thousands, are also threatening to devastate livelihoods, destroy infrastructure, and disrupt food security in the affected areas.

With the government scrambling to respond, there are calls for a more proactive and comprehensive approach to disaster management, including investing in early warning systems, building resilient infrastructure, and implementing long-term adaptation strategies to mitigate the impact of climate change.

Referenece and Citations:

• Independent – Impending flood: NIHSA asks people along Rivers Benue basin to move now
• nannews – NIHSA Warns of imminent Flooding along Rivers, Benue, Niger
• Thecable – NIHSA issues flood alert, asks communities along River Benue, Niger to relocate