The Benue State Government has issued a flood warning to residents following a weather forecast by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) indicating prospects of rainfall and thunderstorms across parts of the North-Central region, including Benue State.
The government urged residents, particularly those living in flood-prone communities, to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions ahead of the anticipated rainfall, which could trigger flash floods in vulnerable areas.
In a weather advisory signed by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Chief Solomon Iorpev, the government identified Achusah, Nyiman, Wurukum and communities along the riverine belt of Gboko Road as areas requiring particular attention.
“Residents in flood-prone areas, particularly Achusah, Nyiman, Wurukum, and communities along the riverine belt of Gboko Road, are urged to remain alert and take necessary precautions ahead of anticipated flash floods,” the advisory stated.
The government also appealed to residents to desist from dumping waste and refuse into drainage channels and waterways, warning that blocked drainage systems remained a major contributor to flash flooding within the state capital.
“Blocked drains remain one of the leading causes of flash flooding within the state capital,” the government said, urging residents to keep their surroundings and adjoining drainages clear.
The government, however, assured residents that there was no immediate cause for panic, noting that the river level gauge used to guide the state’s flood alert system currently stood at 9.2, below the danger threshold.
“There is therefore no cause for panic at this time,” the advisory stated.
It said the government, alongside relevant agencies, was continuously monitoring river levels and would promptly inform the public should the situation change.
“This Office, alongside relevant agencies, is continuously monitoring river levels and will promptly inform the public should the situation change,” the government stated.
The state government further assured residents that Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia remained committed to permanently addressing the recurring flooding challenge in Benue.
“His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia remains committed to permanently addressing flooding in Benue State,” the advisory stated.
According to the government, the commitment was evident in the ongoing construction of drainage channels and canals across the state capital and beyond, aimed at improving water flow and reducing flood risks in vulnerable communities.
The government said the projects were designed to provide improved drainage infrastructure and strengthen the state’s capacity to manage the impact of heavy rainfall.
While urging residents to exercise caution and heed the advisory, the government reiterated that the warning was not intended to cause undue alarm.
“While residents are encouraged to exercise caution and heed this advisory, there is no cause for undue alarm,” it stated.
The government added that it was working in collaboration with NiMet, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and other relevant stakeholders to monitor the situation closely and issue further updates as necessary.
“This Office, in collaboration with NiMet, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and other relevant stakeholders, will continue to monitor the situation closely and issue further updates as necessary,” the advisory stated.
The Commissioner reiterated the state government’s commitment to the safety and wellbeing of residents and urged continued cooperation with government efforts to keep communities safe.
“We reiterate our commitment to the safety and wellbeing of all residents of Benue State and urge continued cooperation with government efforts to keep our communities safe from flooding,” Iorpev stated.