NSEMA Issues Flood Alert as Niger’s Major Dams Begin Water Release

The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has raised a fresh alarm after four major hydroelectric dams, Shiroro, Jebba, Kainji, and Zungeru, announced they will begin releasing excess water to prevent overflow.

                                                             

Communities living along the Rivers Niger and Kaduna have been urged to immediately move to higher ground as the risk of flooding intensifies.

The dams are releasing thousands of gallons of water per minute to ease pressure, but this measure increases the flood threat downstream.

NSEMA’s Director-General, Abdullahi Arah, described the situation as a “catastrophic risk” for riverine communities, warning that unchecked flooding could sweep away homes, farmlands, bridges, and critical roads.

According to Arah, the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency has already advised people in flood-prone areas to relocate immediately.

He also cautioned against common safety mistakes during the season:

• Avoid standing under trees during rainfall due to strong windstorms forecasted by NiMet.

• Keep away from substandard buildings that could collapse in heavy storms.

• Limit all activities along riverbanks.

NSEMA confirmed that 20 local government areas have already experienced flooding, including:

• Lavun

• Magama

• Rafi

• Kontagora

• Gbako

• Mokwa

• Lapai

• Katcha

• Agaie

• Suleja

• Shiroro

• Mashegu

• Agwara

• Bida

• Edati

• Munya

• Bosso

• Chanchaga

• Paikoro

• Wushishi

These LGAs face further risk as dam water levels continue to rise.

To minimize disaster impact, NSEMA said it has:

• Identified safe relocation sites

• Partnered with other government agencies to provide temporary shelters

• Begun early preparation for humanitarian support to displaced families