Dam release: Benue prepares public schools as flood relief camps

The Benue State Government has taken proactive measures to address the potential impact of an impending flood by designating public schools in all 22 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state as relief camps. This decision was announced by Sir James Iorpuu, the acting Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), during a visit to flood-prone communities in the state.

In response to a notification from Cameroonian authorities regarding their intention to release excess water from the Lagdo Dam into the River Benue, Sir James Iorpuu urged residents living in flood-prone areas and along the banks of the River Benue to relocate to higher ground for their safety. He assured the public that the state government is taking comprehensive measures to mitigate the potential impact of the impending flood.

According to Charity Agber, the Information Officer of SEMA, Iorpuu emphasized, “This notification is in response to the notice from the Cameroonian authorities on the release of water from the Lagdo Dam over River Benue. The flood is expected to affect people living around the banks of River Benue and people occupying flood-prone areas across 22 Local Government Areas, LGAs, of the state.”

He further detailed some of the flood-prone areas within Makurdi, the state capital, including Achusa, Idye, Wurukum market, Genabe, Industrial layout, Demekpe, Wadata market, Rice Mill, Inongun, Agbohough, Judges Quarters, and Gyado Villa.

The Executive Secretary assured the public that SEMA would keep the residents informed about developments concerning the impending flood as they unfold. These preparedness measures underscore the government’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and properties of its citizens in the face of potential natural disasters.