The Nigerian government on Tuesday refuted claims that the recent devastating floods in Niger State were caused by the failure or release of water from nearby dams.
With close to 200 confirmed fatalities, authorities in Niger State are still searching for more than 1,000 people believed to have been swept away by floodwater due to heavy rains over the past week.
During a press briefing here on Tuesday, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation Joseph Utsev identified the Kainji and Jebba dams as the closest to Mokwa, saying that they remained structurally sound and fully operational.
“It is important to clarify that the flooding in Mokwa was not the result of any water release from the Kainji or Jebba dams. Both facilities are intact and pose no risk to surrounding communities,” Utsev said.
The torrential downpours on Wednesday night wreaked havoc across Mokwa, a bustling market and farming town in Niger, submerging and washing away dozens of residential homes, some with occupants still inside.
According to the minister, the flooding largely resulted from heavy rainfall associated with extreme weather conditions driven by climate change, which overwhelmed the town’s drainage infrastructure.
Citing an earlier warning by government agencies, Utsev urged state and local governments to improve drainage, relocate at-risk communities, raise public awareness, and enforce land-use laws.
Nigeria regularly faces severe floods during the rainy season, which typically lasts six months, often beginning in March and intensifying by mid-May, especially in the northern region. Enditem
Source: Xinhua
Share Us
