The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued a warning regarding the current status of Rivers Niger and Benue, which have reached critical levels due to widespread flooding in various parts of the country.
Umar Mohammed, the Director General, has called upon Nigerian citizens and state governments to take immediate measures to alleviate the impact of the rising water levels. He emphasized the urgency of clearing drainages and gutters to facilitate water runoff and prevent further flooding. Mohammed attributed the devastating flash floods to the prolonged rainfall across the nation.
In an official statement, the Director General reiterated NIHSA's responsibility for managing and developing the nation's water resources. He emphasized that NIHSA will continuously monitor the water levels of major rivers and tributaries, issuing flood warnings, alerts, and predictions.
Mohammed stated, "NIHSA is actively collaborating with emergency response agencies and the media to safeguard the lives and property of Nigerians, reduce flood impact, ensure food security, and enhance national resilience to floods, thereby promoting sustainable water resources management."
He further advised citizens residing along river banks to relocate to safer areas and secure their lives and property due to the escalating water levels of Rivers Niger and Benue, which have now reached critical levels.