Mr Moses Beckley, the Director-General, Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), has warned that increment in water levels in major rivers could cause flooding of the 2012 magnitude in some parts of the country.
Beckley gave the warning in Abuja on Wednesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
“At our monitoring station in Wuro-Boki, Adamawa State, the first monitoring station as River Benue enters Nigeria, the water level has risen to 5.36m as at Aug. 8, 2016 (as against 4.88m recorded on Aug. 8, 2012).
“Though presently, there is no water releases from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon, the heavy rainfall being witnessed within the catchment of River Benue has caused the water level to be on the increase, “ he said.
The director-general stated that at the Confluence in Lokoja, the water level as at Aug. 8 was 7.74m, which had exceeded the 7.72m recorded value on Aug. 8, 2012.
He said in line with the prediction made by the agency in 2016, there was the possibility of flooding in many parts of the country.
Beckley stated further that the localised urban flooding incidents being experienced in parts of the country would continue due to heavy rainfall and blockage of the drainage system.
He added that poor urban planning as well as coastal flooding resulting from sea rise and storm flow would also contribute to flooding in the flood-prone areas.
The official, therefore, urged government at all levels, especially state and local governments, to endeavour to clear blocked drains, culverts and other waterways.
“As we are approaching the peak of the rainy season, we, therefore, implore all the communities, citizens around the river banks to be at alert in case of sudden rise in the river water level, “ he said. (NAN)