Concerns are rising among the population of Benue State following the announcement made by Cameroonian authorities about discharging excess water from the Lagdo Dam.
Bridget Ikyado, the Principal Special Assistant for Media and Publicity/Strategic Communications to the Governor, cited the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) yesterday, reporting that the following states should anticipate potential flooding: Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Anambra, Edo, Delta, and Bayelsa.
The statement reveals that the nine states housing communities along the River Benue’s banks are at risk of being affected by the excess water discharged from the Lagdo Dam, with this situation projected to extend until the end of October.
Ikyado pointed out that Mustapha Ahmed, the Director-General of NEMA, had sounded the alarm, advising states and local councils located along the River Niger and Benue basins to swiftly put their emergency response plans into action to mitigate potential extensive harm.
Upon contact with James Iorpuu, the Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), he noted that the state government is presently formulating strategies and intends to share information with the public later today.
Read also: Cameroon Dam Flood To Hit States In 7 Days – Nigerian Govt
Nonetheless, he affirmed that the government is committed to its efforts and is currently working on measures to alleviate the impact of the impending flood.
Given the forecast of flooding in nine states, ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has called upon the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to deploy the Ecological Fund for effective coordination and the enhancement of public awareness.
Andrew Mamedu, the Country Director of AAN, pointed out that despite notable allocations from the Ecological Fund, there is a glaring disregard for erosion and other disaster-prone regions across several states. In response, the group is “calling for an urgent and all-encompassing review” of the fund’s utilization.
Furthermore, it pressed for the swift allocation of the funds to tackle urgent emergency response needs and to proactively avert future disasters.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has raised concerns about the upcoming flood in nine states, which include Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Anambra, Edo, Delta, and Bayelsa. As a result, communities have been displaced, and there is a substantial threat to crops and vital infrastructure, escalating the potential for additional destruction.
AAN pointed out that the devastating loss of 28 lives and the displacement of thousands highlight the urgent necessity for joint and concerted efforts to tackle the crisis.
In a renewed commitment to working alongside the government, affected communities, and relevant entities, AAN declared its intent to offer swift relief, assistance, and rehabilitation initiatives. It appealed to the affected states to promptly set in motion their emergency response plans to ensure the safety of lives and property.
The statement reads: ‘At this critical juncture, AAN calls on both federal and state governments to collaborate with the national and state emergency management agencies to provide essential relief materials and ensure that affected individuals and families receive timely support.’