Nigerian authorities have issued flood warnings across 11 states in anticipation of controlled water releases from Cameroon’s Lagdo dam. This precaution comes in response to significant rainfall recently experienced in West and Central Africa, which has prompted the need for regulated water management.
Umar Mohammed, the director-general of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NHSA), explained that the water releases from the Lagdo dam will be conducted gradually to minimize the risk of severe flooding downstream in Nigeria. Despite these assurances, the 11 states located along the Benue River’s path are expected to experience varying degrees of impact due to the increased water flow.
The anticipated increase in water discharge is expected to reach up to 1,000m³/s over the next seven days. This rise is driven by runoff from the Garoua River, which serves as a primary source of inflow into the Lagdo reservoir and is a significant tributary to the Benue River. The Garoua River flows along the Benue River, which spans both Nigeria and Cameroon.
Historically, the release of water from the Lagdo dam has had serious consequences. In 2022, such releases led to over 600 deaths and caused an estimated $9 billion in damages, according to data from Nigerian authorities. The scale of this damage underscores the importance of careful management of water flow to prevent similar tragedies.
The NHSA received official notification from Cameroonian authorities on Tuesday that controlled releases from the Lagdo dam would commence. However, as of Wednesday morning, a spokesperson from Cameroon’s utility company ENEO, which operates the dam, reported that no water had yet been released. This ongoing situation requires close monitoring to ensure that flood risks are managed effectively.
A severe flood alert has been issued for Maiduguri following a disastrous series of events triggered by torrential rains and the collapse of a poorly maintained dam. The dam, which had been neglected for years and developed dangerous cracks, failed dramatically. This collapse caused a bridge to fall, resulted in the drowning of several wild animals—including reptiles and lions—and enabled over 200 inmates to escape from a local prison. Official reports confirm 38 fatalities, though local estimates suggest the death toll could be higher.
The flooding has also severely impacted humanitarian efforts. One of the nutrition centers operated by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) was cut off by the floodwaters, leading to the urgent evacuation of 26 children. This disruption highlights the broader challenges faced by aid organizations working in the region.
During a recent visit to the affected area, President Bola Tinubu voiced serious concern over the escalating disaster. He linked the flood’s impact to broader environmental and climate-related issues. His visit followed a federal delegation led by his deputy, who had traveled to Maiduguri to assess the situation and coordinate relief efforts.
In April, Nigeria’s hydrological agency had issued a warning about potential flooding in up to 29 of the country’s 36 states. As of September 10, aid workers reported that 1.3 million hectares (3.2 million acres) of land have been submerged by floodwaters, with nearly half of this area being cropland. This extensive flooding is affecting both agriculture and local communities, compounding existing vulnerabilities.
Climate change is intensifying the frequency and severity of rainfall globally, as warmer air can hold more moisture. This trend is evident in Maiduguri, where the additional strain of flooding is exacerbating the challenges posed by ongoing conflicts and widespread rural poverty.
Resident Aisha Aliyu, now sheltered in one of eight relief camps set up for flood survivors, described the situation as catastrophic. Meanwhile, in Gubio, another camp, there have been reports of suspected cholera cases. If confirmed, these cases could pose serious risks to children, who are already vulnerable due to other health issues such as diarrhoea and malaria. The combination of severe flooding and potential disease outbreaks presents a complex and urgent humanitarian crisis.
