NIHSA issues flood warning to Kebbi
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued a flood warning to Kebbi State due to the rising water levels of the River Niger.
In a statement, the agency’s Director General, Umar Mohammed, says that flooding may occur in the state as a result of upstream activities in Niger and Mali.
NIHSA notes that the warning becomes imperative following reports from the Niger Basin Authority (NBA) in Niamey, Niger Republic.
The Agency attributes the rising water levels in Niamey to upstream activities in both Niger and Mali, with floodwaters expected to flow into Nigeria through Kebbi State gradually.
The statement maintains that Dam operators at Kainji and Jebba on the River Niger have been informed and are on standby.
It however states that as of Thursday, August 22, 2024, no water has been released from their reservoirs.
NIHSA emphasizes the need for states and communities along the River Niger to remain vigilant from late August through September.
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) adds that it will continue to monitor the flood situation and provide regular updates to the public.
In 2012, flood disasters caused significant damage and losses to Nigerians but the 2022 floods had even more devastating impacts on a much broader scale.
The agricultural and non-agricultural sectors were severely impacted, leading to substantial income losses and threatening food security and income sources.
According to UNICEF, the floods impacted 34 out of 36 states across the country, displacing 1.3 million people, killing 600 lives and over 200,000 homes destroyed.
More often than not, the flood increased cases of diarrhea, water-borne diseases, respiratory infections, and skin conditions.
In the northeastern states of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe alone, 7,485 cholera cases and 319 related deaths were reported as of October 12.
In April 2024, the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation said 148 local government areas across 31 states face a significant risk of flooding this year, while an additional 249 LGAs in 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), fall under a moderate flood risk category.
The ministry listed the states to include Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, and Imo.
Other states are Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, and Yobe.
Writing by Oluwaseyi Ajibade; Editing by Tijjani Ibrahim
