NEMA Issues Flood Alert As Cameroon Set To Open Lagdo Dam

Barely three years after excessive water was
released from Lagdo dam in Cameroon which
caused serious flooding in Nigeria, the National
Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has
alerted the state governments and communities
along River Benue of another possible flood
following information from Cameroonian
authorities to release excess water from the dam
again.
Director General of NEMA, Alhaji Muhammad
Sani Sidi in a statement issued in Abuja on
Thursday said that the Cameroonian authorities
in Garuoa have indicated that between now and
November 2015 there would be routine release
of water from the Lagdo dam due to excessive
amount of water presently contained in the
dam.
Sani Sidi said the authorities have also warned “
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”
He called on the frontline state governors, State
Emergency Management Agencies, first
respondents and relevant authorities to alert the
communities at risk, prepare safe locations for
possible evacuation and adequate preparedness.
The DG NEMA said the agency has dispatched
the alert to the effected state governors and is
following up with appropriate advocacy.
It would be recalled that the release of excess
water from the dam in 2012 contributed to
massive flooding of communities along the
river.
Consequently, in 2013, the two countries
reached an agreement that Cameroun was to
give early warning to enable Nigeria put in
place proactive measure to prevent destruction
of lives and properties