Jumoke Olasunkanmi
As part of proactive measures to prevent a flooding crisis as Cameron opens the floodgate of the Ladgo Dam, the National Emergency Management Agency has set up monitoring stations in high-risk areas of the country.
These include the Bakin Kogi River in Adamawa State, River Benue in Benue State, River Niger and the transboundary Rivers of Niger and Benue in Kogi State.
A report released on the agency’s website revealed that the water level at River Benue as at today, 30th of August, was normal at 8.99 metres. River Niger was also considered stable with a flow level of 4.35 metres.
The confluence of Rivers Niger and Benue in Kogi State stood at 8.36 metres.
NEMA also reported that inland dams of Kainji and Jeba indicated a normal flow of 134.64 metres, noting that the normal reservoir level at Kainji Dam is 141.83 metres.
The report concluded that it is important for the Federal Government, as well as state governments in particularly high-risk states, to show a high level of preparedness to mitigate and avert any eventual flood disaster.
Similarly, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and its Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) counterpart on Wednesday undertook an assessment tour of the Bakin Kogi River in Jimeta, Adamawa State.
This is sequel to the impending opening of Ladgo Dam by the Cameroonian government.
The NEMA officials led by the Adamawa State Head of Field Operations, Mr Ladan Ayuba, explained that the tour was to enable the agency monitor and access the water level in preparation for potential flooding in Adamawa.
He added that the water level as at 10 am today was 8.0 metres.
The report released by NEMA stated that in addition to NIHSA, they would be collaborating with the Marine Unit of the Nigerian Police Force for support in ensuring a smooth and fast response to any emergency that may arise.
