More Flooding Expected across Nigeria in 2023, NIHSA Warns

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued serious warning about the likelihood of more flooding across the country in 2023.

The agency’s prediction indicated that 178 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in 32 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were in high danger of severe flooding.

During a press briefing held yesterday, in Abuja, NIHSA’s Director General/CEO, Engr. Clement Nze, stressed the significance of early action to mitigate the impacts of the anticipated flooding.

The organisation recalled that when it released the 2023 Annual Flood Outlook (2023 AFO) report in February, regions at high, moderate, and low risk of flooding were identified.

The report revealed that several coastal states, including Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Rivers, were particularly susceptible to coastal flooding.

In addition, major cities such as Abuja, Lagos, Ibadan, and Port Harcourt were expected to experience flash and urban floods.

Nze explained that, “By April of this year, numerous states had already reported flooding incidents, causing casualties, loss of life, and the submergence of homes.

“Over 50 LGAs in at least 20 states, including Adamawa, Delta, Imo, Lagos, and Rivers, have already encountered varying degrees of flooding.”

Nze, noted that the situation was further complicated by the water releases from the Cameroonian Lagdo Dam.

According to him, the dam began releasing water on August 14, 2023, at a rate of 200 cubic meters per second.

He explained that although the rate has since been reduced to 50 cubic meters per second, the agency remains on high alert as the rainy season continues.

NIHSA provided additional insights into the River Benue and River Niger systems, stating that water levels and flow patterns were being closely monitored.

The agency emphasised the need for preparedness, especially in regions prone to flooding.

Nze urged state governments, citizens and all disaster response and reduction agencies to take immediate action.

He emphasised that timely preparedness and mitigation measures were key to minimising the impact of the anticipated flooding.