In a recent development that has sparked concerns across the region, the Federal Government confirmed on Monday that the floodgates of Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam have been opened by Cameroonian authorities.
Touchaheart Nigeria reports that this move has triggered a flood warning for all the frontline states, with potential flooding expected to occur within the next seven days.
Effective Coordination for Mitigation
To address the impending challenges posed by this situation, the Presidential Committee convened in Abuja to strategize on effective coordination and implementation of various policies and rescue missions aimed at mitigating the impacts of the flooding.
The committee, presided over by Vice President Kasim Shettima, is focused on devising comprehensive strategies to manage the potential crisis.
As Dr. Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, highlighted during a media briefing, state governments have already undertaken preparatory measures.
However, urgent action is necessary, and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) is urged to take immediate steps to evacuate citizens from vulnerable communities to safer locations.
Ensuring Shelter and Support
Dr. Edu also expressed the Ministry’s commitment to collaborate with subnational and local governments to provide shelters for affected citizens.
Many residents are understandably concerned about leaving their ancestral homes, but the government’s priority is to safeguard lives and property.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is resolute in its determination to implement measures that ensure the security and well-being of Nigerians across the nation.
The government is actively engaged in finding lasting solutions to the challenges posed by flooding.
Active Monitoring and Response
Minister of Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako, revealed that the Ministry has taken proactive steps to monitor the situation closely.
Hourly flood warning alerts have been activated across the country, providing real-time information on the water levels of River Benue and River Niger, as well as the vulnerability of affected areas.
This information will be available to journalists without delay, ensuring that the public stays informed.
The Ministry is also collaborating with Cameroon authorities to mitigate the impacts of the Lagdo Dam floodgate release and minimize potential damages.
Long-term solutions and recommendations will be presented to President Tinubu to address the recurring issue of flooding.
Collaborative Efforts and Future Measures
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to address the issue.
While urging citizens to clear drainages, he assured that the Ministry is committed to constructing dams and dredging rivers across the country to eliminate the annual menace of flooding.
This approach will not only prevent loss of lives and property but also contribute to sustainable water management.
The Ministry is actively engaging with stakeholders to control water levels, carry out rescue missions, and minimize the impacts of flooding.
Additionally, the Committee has assured Nigerians of its commitment to providing necessary medical support to those affected by the impending flooding.
What You Should Know
As the region braces for potential flooding, the collaborative efforts of government bodies, local authorities, and citizens are essential to effectively manage the situation.
The comprehensive strategies being devised by the Presidential Committee, along with ongoing monitoring and response measures, aim to mitigate the impacts of the Lagdo Dam’s floodgate release.
With a focus on safeguarding lives and property, the nation is working together to address the challenges posed by natural disasters and ensure a secure future for all.
