The Benue State Government has said it has taken measures in response to rising water levels of River Benue following the reported opening of the Lagdo Dam and the 2024 flood prediction by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMET.
The government said it has opened Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, camps in 18 LGAs in the state as measures to mitigate the effects of the impending flood disaster.
The Committee on flood Disaster Preparedness, Mitigation and Response Team took the decision in Makurdi.
DAILY POST reports that NiMET had recently predicted that several LGAs in the state will be affected by the impending flooding following the opening of the Lagdo Dam in neighboring Republic of Cameroon.
The LGAs to be affected include Kwande, Katsina-Ala, Logo, Makurdi, Gwer-West, Agatu, Guma and Apa.
Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Aondowase Kunde said the Committee has set up camps for would-be victims of the expected flooding in the state.
He said the camps are located at the International Market Makurdi, Suswan Thank You LGEA Primary School Wurukum, Makurdi, Akume Atongo Stadium, Katsina-Ala and RCM Primary School, Logo.
Kunde explained that it was imperative for people living in flood prone areas to relocate for their own safety.
The acting Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency, BSEMA, James Iorpuu said the agency was fully prepared to carter for the needs of those who will be affected by flooding.
He said the agency would supply food and non-food materials to victims of the flood.
Iorpuu said he has requested for logistics support, including five flying boats from the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA.
The commissioner also called for comprehensive documents indicating the number of women and children in flood prone areas.
He said this will enable the Health Ministry to respond to challenges urgently and effectively.
The Team leader, International Organization for Immigration, IOM, Mrs Mediatrix Barendayo assured the government of support in that regard.
Also, Sally Okpaje, Team Lead, UN Refugee Agency, said the organization was committed to supporting the state government by ensuring that all measures are in place to mitigate the sufferings of the victims of flooding.
