The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has reinforced its dedication to maintaining enhanced flood monitoring across Nigeria.
NIHSA’s Director General, Umar Mohammed in a statement on Monday, November 4, noted that heavy downpours and global warming led to excessive flooding experienced in most parts of Nigeria this year.
The Director General highlighted that the water levels in the Niger and Benue Rivers have consistently dropped below flood levels over the past few weeks, aligning with the anticipated end of rainfall in the Northern and Central regions.
According to him, NHISA intends to embark on a nationwide national survey to access major rivers and tributaries starting in 2025 to address existing challenges.
“This initiative aims to identify key drivers for instrumentation and monitoring, thereby strengthening the agency’s flood prediction and early warning systems to protect lives, farmlands, and property,” he said.
In addition, he emphasized that NIHSA has seen a huge reduction in flooding, and to build on this progress, they’re conducting intervention studies in affected states across the country.
Mohammed noted that these studies seek to explain why floodwaters remain dormant in certain areas in the country; this research will be helpful to NHISA in designing and implementing effective flood preventive measures.
He further commended Nigerians and other stakeholders for their huge contribution to protecting lives and properties during the recent flood crisis in flood-affected areas.
