BREAKING NEWS: FG Alerts 11 States as Cameroon Plans Lagdo Dam Water Release

The Federal Government on Tuesday issued a warning regarding the impending release of water from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon. This announcement was made through a press statement signed by the Director General of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, Umar Muhammed.

According to the statement, Cameroon will begin controlled water releases from the Lagdo Dam starting on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. The discharge rate is expected to gradually increase over the next seven days, reaching up to 1000 cubic meters per second (m³/s) due to inflows from the upstream Garoua River.

The statement reads: “The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency wishes to notify the general public that the authorities of the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon have communicated to the agency that they will initiate controlled water releases at a rate of 100 m³/s (8,640,000 m³/day) starting today, 17 September 2024.”

It further added that the water release is expected to rise progressively, but will be managed carefully to avoid exceeding the capacity of the Benue River system and causing significant flooding downstream in Nigeria. The release will cease once inflows into the Lagdo reservoir decrease.

The agency reassured the public that there is no immediate cause for concern: “There is no need for alarm as major flooding downstream in Nigeria is not anticipated since the flow levels along the Benue River are still within cautionary limits.”

However, the agency advised states bordering the Benue River—namely Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross Rivers, and Rivers—to remain vigilant and take necessary measures to mitigate any potential flooding.

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency will continue to monitor water levels in the Benue River and provide regular updates to prevent any further flood disasters.

The Lagdo Dam, located on the Benue River in northern Cameroon, has long been a source of concern for Nigeria, as its water releases often lead to flooding in several states. Just last week, Borno State experienced severe flooding, which claimed the lives of over 30 people and affected more than a million residents.

The agency urged both local and state governments to remain alert and implement preventive measures to minimize the impact of potential flooding.