The Niger State Government has directed communities along River Niger and River Kaduna to relocate to safer grounds.
The government gave the directive in a flood alert following the discharge of water from the Kainji, Shiroro, Zungeru and Jeba hydroelectric dams
The Director General of Niger State Emergency Agency, NSEMA, Abdullahi Baba Arah, in a statement said the development followed a warning from the Nigerian Hydrological Services which advised communities along River Niger and Kaduna to relocate.
Arah explained that the agency’s warning is coming as a result of discharge of water from Kainji, Shiroro, Zungeru and Jeba hydro dams located in Niger State.
He stated that the dams are releasing thousands of gallons of water per minute, which could lead to the overflow of the two rivers.
“The state government hereby advises our communities to limit activities around river banks during this peak rainy season to avoid being flooded. People living at riverine areas should relocate to safer grounds already identified.
“NiMET’s latest prediction indicated that the end of rainy season will be accompanied by violent windstorm as such people should avoid standing under trees during rainfall and also avoid substandard structures,” he said.
The affected local government areas include Lavun, Magama, Rafi
Kontagora, Gbako Mokwa, Lapai, Katcha, Agaie, Suleja, Shiroro, Mashegu, Agwara, Bida, Edati, Munya, Bosso, Chanchaga, Paikoro and Wushishi.
Flood alert: Niger Govt advises coastal communities to relocate