Nigerians on High Alert For Flood as Cameroon set to Open Lagdo Dam

As the Cameroonian government revealed its intention to open the Lagdo Dam on the River Benue, Nigeria may soon be slammed by a severe flood.

Umar Salisu, the Ministry’s Director of African Affairs in Cameroon, wrote a letter that was used to notify the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

The Lagdo Dam was opened, according to the Cameroonian government, in order to lower the amount of water brought on by the country’s protracted rainy season.

The Ministry encouraged NEMA to act swiftly to prevent further harm and to educate the public about the impacted areas.

Salisu claims that “only modulated variable small amount of water at a time” will be released by Cameroonian authorities.

The letter added, “I have the honour to inform that the Ministry is in receipt of a Note Verbale from the High Commission of the Republic of Cameroon informing that Cameroonian officials have resolved to open the flood gates of the Lagdo Dam on the Benue River in days ahead due to the heavy rainfall around the Dam catchment area in Northern Cameroon.

“According to the Note, it is pertinent to note that when the release of water becomes necessary, the authorities of the Lagdo Dam will be releasing only modulated variable small amount of water at a time in order to mitigate and avoid damages that the released water may cause along the River Benue basin in both Cameroon and in Nigeria.

“In view of the above, it would be appreciated if the esteemed Agency takes all the necessary proactive steps and actions that will mitigate the damage as well as sensitize the populace living in such areas for vigilance and all necessary precautions”.

The Ministry also asked locals in the impacted areas to maintain their composure and heed the authorities’ recommendations.