August 7, 2015 – The National Emergency Management Agency(NEMA) has warned Nigerians living along the River Benue to prepare for imminent flood as authorities in Cameroon announced plans to release excess water from Lagdo Dam.
In a statement on Thursday, NEMA said the warning becomes necessary since similar exercise in 2012 led to massive flooding, loss of lives and property in communities situated along River Benue.
Director General, NEMA , Mr. Muhammad Sidi said that the Cameroonian authorities in Garuoa would embark on the draining exercise between August and November this year.
He called on governors of affected states to put safety measures in place and be prepared for possible evacuation of their citizens ahead of the planned release of excess water .
“All those living around the dam and along River Benue in Garoua up to Nigeria side should be alert and be ready for evacuation in case of possible flooding,” Sidi said.
He said the agency would not relent on sensitisation efforts, stressing that as result of devastation of earlier exercise, the two countries (Nigeria and Cameroon) reached an agreement that Cameroon was to give early warning to enable Nigeria put in place proactive measures to prevent destruction oflives and property”.
