Flooding: FG warns of impending disaster in two states.
On Friday, Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, issued a warning about impending flooding on the Niger and Benue rivers.
At a news event in Abuja, the minister stated that a considerable amount of water is pouring via these rivers towards the Niger Delta region.
He emphasised the importance of being vigilant in all aspects, as well as taking proactive measures to manage any potential flooding catastrophes in the country’s south.
“This flood disaster that affected the Maiduguri and Jere areas of Borno State was largely due to the overflow of water from the Alau Dam, located about 10 kilometres from Maiduguri city centre, caused by the massive inflow from the Ngadda River, a major tributary of the River Yedzaram,” he claimed.
“To show our solidarity with the Governor of Borno State and to assess the extent of the flood’s devastation, the Minister of State, Bello Goronyo, and I visited Maiduguri with the Head of Agencies and Parastatals in my Ministry.”
“We draw the attention of Nigerians to the potential river flooding of the Rivers Niger and Benue, as well as some of their tributaries, as we mourn the losses in Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, Bauchi, and other states affected by flooding.”
“The daily flow on these rivers shows a considerable increase in water levels, approaching red alert. This alert indicates that a huge amount of water is flowing via our rivers into the delta region.”
He underlined the importance of maintaining alert and improving preparedness to deal with anticipated flooding in the country’s south.
The minister said, “We will also remember that the Presidential Committee on the Development of a Strategic Plan for Preventing Flood Disasters in Nigeria, which was established with the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation as the Chair of its Steering Committee, has submitted its report.”
“This report recommends 10 strategic areas to address the menace of annual flooding in Nigeria, as well as relevant interventions that consider required activities before, during, and after flooding periods.”
“These contain the responsible agencies, projected outcomes, timetables, and estimated costs. As part of the proposals, Mr. President has granted ₦108 billion for all 36 states to address the country’s recurring floods.
“As we strive to recover from this tragedy, I urge all sub-national governments and stakeholders to heed the flood early warning information from the Ministry and take proactive measures to prevent future flooding, as well as to activate response measures to alleviate the suffering of citizens affected by floods.”