Climate Change
Cameroon Alerts Nigeria Of Impending Flood Due To Lagdo Dam Opening
In 2022 alone, records from the National Emergency Management Agency revealed that over 300 people lost their lives
The Government of Cameroon has officially informed the Federal Government about its intention to open the Lagdo Dam in an effort to lower the water level resulting from the continuous rainfall in Cameroon.
This notification was sent through a letter signed by Umar Salisu, the Director of African Affairs at the Ministry, and addressed to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
In correspondence released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on August 21, it was stated that the Cameroonian government is planning to “unleash the floodgates of the Lagdo Dam located on the Benue River in the coming days.”
This decision is prompted by the substantial rainfall occurring in the vicinity of the dam’s catchment area in Northern Cameroon.
Umar Salisu further explained that the Cameroonian authorities will be strategically releasing “controlled and varying small quantities of water at intervals.”
This approach aims to minimize and prevent potential damages that the discharged water might cause along the River Benue basin, encompassing both Cameroon and Nigeria.
This action has been taken to prevent potential flooding in the region. In response, the Ministry advised NEMA to take necessary precautions to minimize the impact of the release.
The letter stated, “We kindly request that the esteemed agency undertakes all requisite proactive measures to mitigate damage and sensitizes the communities residing in these areas to exercise vigilance and adopt necessary precautions.”
Meanwhile, the Ministry encouraged residents of the affected regions to remain composed and adhere to the guidelines provided by the authorities. It’s worth noting that previous releases of water from the Lagdo Dam have led to flooding in various Nigerian communities along the courses of the River Niger and River Benue.
In 2022 alone, records from the National Emergency Management Agency revealed that over 300 people lost their lives, around 500 were injured, and approximately 100,000 people were displaced due to flooding.