UPDATE ON NIHSA EARLY FLOOD WARNING IN NIGERIA AS AT 30th August 2018
Again, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) wishes to inform the general public, especially the riparian states and communities by the Banks of River Niger & its floodplains, that River Niger is still rising with likelihood of occurrence of River Flooding. A steady rise in the water level continues to be witnessed at our monitoring station downstream the Confluence in Lokoja. This station is of critical importance to our hydrological decisions. From water level of 8.69 meters on 29th August 2018 versus 8.57 meters for 29 August 2012 (using flood of 2012 as a benchmark), the level of water on 30th August, 2018 has risen to 8.84 meters as against 8.62 meters on 30th August 2012. This 220mm (~ 9″) higher water level recorded today compared to the date in 2012, sends a worrisome signal that calls for watchfulness on the riparian states of the River Niger downstream Lokoja. High flow from the upper catchment of the Niger basin continues to advance down to Nigeria, necessitating both Kainji and Jebba Dams to commence spilling water downstream. Meanwhile, the flooding that occurred in Kaduna a week ago (23-24/8/18) has arrived Shiroro Dam built on River Kaduna. In the event that Shiroro Dam becomes overwhelmed, thereby spilling water, that will portend more danger downstream. The following states should be on the watch out, and should make necessary preparations to relocate people within the floodplains to safe and higher grounds in the event of flooding: Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Kogi, Anambra, Delta and Bayelsa. Meanwhile, inflow contribution from River Benue is equally advancing. The Lagdo Dam in Cameroon is still impounding water, and has not started spilling water into River Benue. The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) wishes to assure the general public that it will continue to update the populace with any development on regular basis.
Engr Clement Nze
Director, Engineering Hydrology,
Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA)
