Dr. Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, has issued a flood alert in response to the confirmation that the Lagdo Dam floodgate has been opened by Cameroonian authorities.
The Nigerian Federal Government has indicated that this action may lead to flooding across the frontline states within the coming seven days.
To effectively manage and coordinate policies and rescue missions aimed at mitigating the flooding’s impacts, the Presidential Committee, convened in Abuja, resolved to have Vice President Kasim Shettima preside over the committee….CONTINUE READING
Dr. Edu, speaking at a media briefing organized by the Presidential Committee, which was established after a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, stressed the need for state governments and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) to take immediate actions, including evacuating residents from vulnerable communities to safer locations.
She also assured that the Ministry is prepared to collaborate with subnational and local governments to provide shelters for those affected.
The Minister of Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako, revealed that the Ministry has initiated hourly flood warning alerts across the country, closely monitoring water levels of River Benue and River Niger, as well as assessing vulnerability in affected regions.
He introduced a reliable platform designed to offer real-time information to environmental correspondents regarding flood alerts.
Dr. Salako emphasized that proactive measures are being put in place to avert a national disaster. He further stated that recommendations for long-term solutions will be presented to the President, outlining efforts to combat flooding.
He reiterated the administration’s commitment to collaborating with Cameroonian authorities to minimize the adverse effects of the Lagdo Dam floodgate release and to ensure minimal loss of life and property.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev, called on Nigerians to clear drainages and take necessary precautions, while highlighting the importance of government action at all levels.
