This rate is expected to increase gradually to 1,000 cubic metres per second over the next seven days, depending on inflows from the Garoua River, a key contributor to the Benue River.
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has announced that the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon will commence regulated water releases starting today (Tuesday), September 17, 2024.
According to Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, Director General/CEO NIHSA in a statement on Tuesday, the dam authority has notified the agency that the initial water release rate will be 100 cubic metres per second (8,640,000 cubic metres per day).
This rate is expected to increase gradually to 1,000 cubic metres per second over the next seven days, depending on inflows from the Garoua River, a key contributor to the Benue River.
The dam managers have assured that the water release will be controlled to avoid exceeding the Benue River system's conveyance capacity, thus preventing significant flooding downstream in Nigeria.
The release is set to cease once there is a noticeable decrease in inflow to the Lagdo reservoir.
NIHSA stated, "There is no cause for alarm as major flooding is not expected downstream in Nigeria, with flow levels along the Benue River still within warning levels."
Despite this, the agency emphasized the need for vigilance and preparedness in states bordering the Benue River system, namely Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Rivers.
It is crucial for all levels of government to enhance their preparedness measures to mitigate potential flooding impacts.
NIHSA will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide regular updates on water levels across major rivers to prevent further flood-related disasters.
The statement reads, “The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) wishes to inform the general public that the Authority of Lagdo dam in Cameroon have informed the Agency that the dam management will begin regulated water releases at the rate of 100m³/s (8,640,000m³/day) today 17th September, 2023.
The water release is expected to increase gradually to 1000m³/s in the next 7 days depending on the inflow from the upstream Garoua River which is the main feeder into the reservoir and a major contributor to the Benue river.
“However, the dam managers further stated that the planned water releases will be gradual so as not to exceed the conveyance capacity of the Benue river system and cause major flooding downstream Nigeria. The spilling of waters from Lagdo dam is expected to stop as soon as there is noticeable decrease in flow into the Lagdo reservoir.
“The Agency hereby wishes to state that there is no cause for alarm as major flooding are not expected downstream Nigeria as the flow levels along the river Benue are still within the warning levels.”