The Federal Government has issued a warning that river flooding is expected to begin by the end of July, with 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) at risk of severe impact.
Additionally, the government cautioned that the ongoing flooding could exacerbate the cholera outbreak currently affecting several states.
According to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), as of Wednesday, the cholera outbreak has resulted in 63 deaths and 2,102 suspected cases.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday about the flood situation, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev, explained that the country has been experiencing flash and urban floods due to high-intensity, long-duration rainfall, and blocked drainage systems since May.
He warned that from the end of July, river flooding, which could be more devastating, might commence. The states identified as high-risk areas include:
- Akwa Ibom
- Anambra
- Benue
- Bayelsa
- Cross River
- Delta
- Edo
- Jigawa
- Kogi
- Kebbi
- Kaduna
- Niger
- Nasarawa
- Ondo
- Ogun
- Rivers
- Taraba
- FCT
Professor Utsev highlighted that Nigeria’s geographical location at the lowest portion of the River Niger Basin means that flooding in the upper catchment areas will likely lead to flooding incidents in Nigeria.
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Regarding the Lagdo dam in Cameroon, the Minister stated that the operators are currently filling the dam for hydropower generation. He added that the flow situation at Wuroboki is relatively normal and there is no immediate cause for alarm.
To mitigate annual flooding caused by water releases from the Lagdo dam, the Minister revealed that plans are nearly complete to construct buffer dams along the water channel to capture excess water. He noted that the designs for these dams are finished and the government is close to the implementation phase.
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On the cholera situation, the Minister warned that increased flooding could worsen the current outbreak. He mentioned that a presidential committee has been established to address the issue, including tackling the problem of open defecation, which contributes to the spread of cholera.
The Minister urged state and local governments, stakeholders, and the general public to take preventive measures against the potential flooding and the associated risks.