The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has received an alert over imminent flooding on the banks of River Benue.
The alert was issued by the ministry of foreign affairs in a letter dated August 21.
The letter which was signed by Umar Salisu, the ministry’s director of African affairs, said the Cameroonian government plans to “open the flood gates of the Lagdo Dam on the Benue River in days ahead”.
This is due to the heavy rainfall “around the dam catchment area in Northern Cameroon”.
According to Salisu, the Cameroonian authorities will be releasing “only modulated variable small amount of water at a time”.
“This is in order to mitigate and avoid damages that the released water may cause along the River Benue basin in both Cameroon and in Nigeria.”
The ministry, therefore, urged NEMA to take precautionary measures in order to reduce damages.
“In view of the above, it would be appreciated if the esteemed agency takes all the necessary proactive steps and actions that will mitigate the damage as well as sensitise the populace living in such areas for vigilance and all necessary precautions,” the letter added.
The ministry also urged residents of the affected areas to remain calm and to follow the instructions of the authorities.