The Federal Government has clarified that the recent devastating flood in Maiduguri was not caused by the collapse of the Alau Dam, as initially speculated. Instead, the flood was due to the overflow of the Ngadda River, which contributed to the Alau Dam’s dyke overflowing.
Engineer Joseph Utsev, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, addressed the issue at a briefing in Abuja on Friday. He confirmed that the Alau Dam, located about 10 kilometers from Maiduguri city center, remained intact despite the flood.
Utsev explained that the excessive rainfall this year, influenced by climate change, led to higher water levels than anticipated. The overflow occurred because the rivers could not contain the surplus water, which led to an overflow from the dam’s dyke. The minister emphasized that the dam did not collapse; rather, it was the dyke that could not withstand the excess water from the Ngadda River, a major tributary of the Yedzaram River.
WARNING OF LOOMING FLOOD DISASTER
In addition to addressing the Maiduguri flood, the minister warned of potential serious flooding in the Niger Delta region and other southern states. He urged the government and citizens to implement emergency measures to mitigate the impact of impending floods.
Utsev highlighted that rivers Niger and Benue, along with their tributaries, are showing significant increases in flow levels, approaching a red alert status. He stressed the importance of heightened vigilance and proactive measures to prepare for potential flooding events in the southern parts of Nigeria.
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of recent floods affecting Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, Bauchi, and other states, the minister called for increased preparedness and response efforts to manage and minimize future flood risks.
