The Federal Government has issued an urgent alert to the Niger Delta and other southern states about the potential for severe flooding. This warning comes as authorities provide clarity on the recent flood in Maiduguri, attributing it to an overflow from the Ngadda River rather than a failure of the Alau Dam.
During a press conference, Engineer Joseph Utsev, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, stated that the Alau Dam, located in Maiduguri, Borno State, had not collapsed. Instead, the flooding was due to excessive inflows from the Ngadda River, a key tributary of the River Yedzaram, which overwhelmed the dam’s dyke.
Minister Utsev and Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Bello Goronyo, visited the affected areas to evaluate the damage and offer their condolences to Borno State. Utsev committed to a comprehensive upgrade of the Alau Dam and emphasized that any lapses by contractors or officials would be addressed firmly.
He assured that sanitation kits and water treatment facilities would be provided to those displaced, though the arrival of these supplies had been delayed due to earlier inspections in the southwest. The Alau Dam remains a top priority for intervention.
Utsev explained that the unprecedented rainfall, exacerbated by climate change, led to the overflow, which was beyond the dam’s capacity to manage. He emphasized that the dam’s dyke, not the structure itself, failed to contain the excess water.
In his statement, Utsev also warned of potential flooding in the Niger Delta and southern states, urging both government and citizens to prepare for possible impacts. He noted the increased flow levels in rivers Niger and Benue, which are approaching critical thresholds.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with flooding in various states, the Federal Government calls for heightened vigilance and proactive measures to mitigate future disasters.
