The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued a warning that Rivers Niger and Benue have reached the “red mark” due to devastating floods ravaging parts of the country.
Director General (DG) Umar Mohammed urged Nigerians and state governments to take immediate action to mitigate the impact.
Mohammed emphasized that the rising water levels necessitate prompt action. He stressed the importance of clearing drainages, and gutters and making way for water runoff to prevent further flooding. The prolonged rainfall across the nation has contributed to the devastating flash floods, according to Mohammed.
In a statement signed by the DG, he reiterated NIHSA’s mandate as regards management and development of the nation’s water resources, and stressed that NIHSA will continue to monitor daily the water levels of major rivers and tributaries, issuing flood warning and alerts including flood predictions.
He said: “NIHSA is pro-actively in synergy with emergency response agencies and the Media. It is an effort to help save lives and property of Nigerians in order to abate flood impact, enhance food security, promote national resilience to flood thereby fostering sustainable water resources management.
“The steady rise in the water levels of Rivers Niger and Benue has gotten to the red Mark.”
He however advised that citizens along river banks relocate to safe location and secure their lives and property.
