Federal Government has called on Nigerians not to panic over the opening of Lagdo Dam in Cameroun. Director General of Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Clement Nze, gave the assurance during a news conference in Abuja, yesterday. Nze said opening of the dam is normal reservoir procedure, describing it as “negligible” in causing flooding downstream.

“Camerounian authorities commenced release of water from Lagdo Dam by 10.10 a.m. on August 14, 2023. The release commenced at a rate of 200 cubic meters per second (200m3/s), which is about 18 million cubic metres of water per day 18Mm3/day,” he said.

He noted that the dam had, however, been closed since August 28, stressing that the situation is being monitored, although rainfall remains unpredictable.

“By August 25, 2023, release of water from the reservoir reduced to 50 cubic metres per second (50㎡3/s), which is a normal reservoir operation and far negligible to cause any flooding downstream. At about 5.16 p.m., August 28, 2023, the hydrologist in-charge of the dam notified us that they had stopped spilling water by 11.00 a.m., the same day,” he said.

He explained that flood being experienced in Abuja and other parts of the country was caused by local rainfall, adding that current water level at the monitoring station in Makurdi, Benue State, was 9.01m, as against 9.68m recorded on the same date in 2022.

Meanwhile, Federal Government has constituted a high-level committee, led by Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, with a mission to prevent flooding and its consequences in Nigeria.

The minister made this known during a press conference held by the committee members in Abuja. She said the meeting was at the instance of President Bola Tinubu, following her presentation at the maiden Federal Executive Council (FEC), meeting on Monday.

Edu added: “Persons in affected areas are enjoined to move to high lands for safety, and state governors are to stand up to their responsibilities in evacuation of persons in such areas, to protect life and property.”