The impending gradual release of excess water from Lagdo Dam in Cameroon and the heavy rains expected in coming months will result in massive flooding across the country soon, the Federal Government has said. This, it said, poses serious threat to lives and
property in Nigeria, adding that the various
flooding types to be experienced include river
flooding, coastal flooding and flash flooding. The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of
Environment, Mrs. Nana Mede, said the government
was deeply concerned about the likely loss of lives
and properties as well as other negative
environmental consequences which the floods
would bring. Mede, who spoke during a press briefing at the
ministry’s headquarters on Monday in Abuja, stated
that it had become pertinent for citizens living along
flood plains to prepare for relocation to areas
considered to be safe and remain at alert for any
eventuality.

She said, “The impending gradual release of excess
water from Lagdo Dam by our neighbouring
country, Cameroon, which they have hinted could
take place anytime soon and the massive rains in
the coming months poses serious threats to lives
and property. The states that are likely to be affected are Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe, Bauchi,
Benue, and Kogi. “On a general scale, the massive rains are also
expected to cause flooding in many parts of the
country. River flooding will affect Sokoto Rima,
Niger, Benue and Anambra states. Coastal flooding
resulting from sea level rise and tidal surges will
likely occur in Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta and Lagos states. “Flash floods could be experienced in some urban
locations such as Lagos, Port Harcourt, Sokoto,
Birnin Kebbi, Ibadan and other towns along the
country’s coastline.” The government urged people living in the outlined
areas to immediately clear their drainages, culverts
and canals.

Mede observed that earlier in the year, the Nigerian
Meteorological Agency made predictions that the
rains would come late, adding that when it does, it
would be massive and could be disastrous in terms
of environmental impact such as flooding with its
attendant consequences of loss of lives, properties, livelihoods, outbreak of diseases and disruptions of
socio-economic activities. She said, “Furthermore, the Nigerian Hydrological
Services Agency has also presented the 2015
Annual Flood Outlook for the country to the public
and it also confirms that there is every possibility of
flooding. “The ministry is therefore appealing to states, local
governments, NGOs, churches, mosques, traditional
rulers and community based organisations to take
immediate steps to sensitise the people and
communities as well as ensure that all the necessary
things are done to avoid unnecessary loss lives and properties. “In extreme cases, state governments and local
authorities should prepare to evacuate residents.
Public places should be designated and prepared
for any eventuality. The ministry has already called
for emergency meeting of stakeholders to discuss
on elaborate strategies for tackling the impending flood.”

The Federal Government, in 2012, spent over
N17bn in tackling floods and its effect across the
country, while about 360 lives were lost and
properties worth billions of naira were destroyed.

www.punchng.com/news/flood-looms-in-nigeria-as-cameroon-releases-dam/


Cc: lalasticlala

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God of the sea,this is Not our potion...because flood added to economic crunch equals to what?

equal to disaster