FG activates urgent flood alert in Southern Nigeria due to dam overflow

According to the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Uche Nnaji, satellite monitoring conducted by the United Nations Platform for Space-Based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response (UNSPIDER), in collaboration with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), has indicated significant and rapidly escalating overflow from the dam.

The overflow initially affected approximately 137 hectares of land from July 1 to July 31, but this figure has dramatically increased over the past two months. By late August, the impacted area had expanded to 2,053 hectares, and by mid-September, it surged to 18,737 hectares.

The government is alarmed by the potential for devastating floods in low-lying regions of southern Nigeria, particularly as the rainy season continues.

During a ministerial briefing, Nnaji underscored the importance of vigilance among residents in southern states and urged them to heed all official alerts. He remarked, “The flood risks posed by the Lagdo Dam overflow are substantial, and we are actively collaborating with both international and local agencies to monitor the situation and ensure timely warnings are provided to the public.”

The overflow could impact communities across multiple states, endangering agricultural lands and residential areas. The minister has assured that the government is mobilizing resources and formulating mitigation strategies to reduce potential damage and loss of life.

He also recommended that residents in flood-prone areas consider temporary relocation when necessary to avoid the disastrous consequences of possible flooding.

In addition to the flood concerns in the south, the Federal Government is addressing other environmental issues, such as the recent earth tremors in Mpape, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

On September 16, 2024, residents of Mpape experienced a series of earth tremors that caused widespread concern due to loud noises and noticeable ground shaking. Data analyzed by NASRDA indicated that these tremors included foreshocks and aftershocks, with the primary tremor registering a local magnitude of 3.1 at a focal depth of 11 kilometers.

The government has launched an investigation into the cause of these seismic events, reassuring the public that efforts are underway to provide accurate recommendations to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

Nnaji called on residents of Mpape and the broader Abuja area to remain calm as monitoring and analysis continues.

Both the flood risks and seismic activities highlight the environmental challenges confronting the nation. Authorities are urging affected communities to stay alert and adhere to safety guidelines as the government works to tackle these issues.