The Nigerian Hydrological Services has advised Communities along River Niger in Kwara, Niger and Kogi states to relocate.
The Agency’s warning is coming as a result of discharge of water from Kainji and Jeba hydro Dams located in Niger state.
The Dams are releasing thousands of gallons of water per minute that could lead to the overflow of River Niger, a statement has said.
The Niger State government, the statement emphasized, has also advised communities to limit their activities around River banks during this peak period of raining season to prevent lost of life and properties to flood
“People living at riverine areas should relocate to safer grounds already identified.
“NiMeT latest prediction indicated that the end of raining season will be accompany by violent windstorm as such people should avoid standing under trees during rainfall and also avoid substandard structures.
“The State is already experiencing negative impact of the flooding with houses, farm lands,bridges and linked roads washed away in some LGAs located at up and down stream of the four Dams . These rendered many homeless and has affected the socio-economic activities of the communities.
‘The affected LGAs includes Lavun, Magama, Rafi, Kontagora, Gbako,Mokwa,Lapai, Katcha,Agaie Suleja,Shiroro, Mashegu,Agwara,Bida,Edati,Munya,Bosso, Chanchaga, Paikoro and wushishi.
No of death:
14 Deaths has so far been recorded,
6 in Magama,
2 in kontagora
2 in Agwara
1 each in Rafi, Lavun, Bosso, and Paikoro
“Action taken;
As directed by the state Commandant
Officers in the disaster unit, Area Commander and Divisional officers, had been mandated to carry out enlightenment programs on preventive measures before , during and after the rain or flooding to ensure protection of life and properties throughout the state .
The assessments of the flood impacts are still ongoing and a periodic update will be provided,