The Benue State Government says it is monitoring water levels daily, clearing drainage channels and preparing for possible evacuations following a flood advisory.
MAKURDI, BENUE STATE — The Benue State Government says it has intensified proactive measures to reduce the impact of possible flooding, including the daily monitoring of water levels and preparations to evacuate residents living in flood-prone communities when necessary.
The Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Odoh Ugwu, disclosed this on Tuesday while speaking with journalists in Makurdi.
Ugwu said the state government was closely monitoring water levels to identify early warning signs and determine when residents in vulnerable areas may need to be moved to safer locations.
The measures follow a seven-day flood advisory issued by the Federal Government through the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), which listed Benue among states facing a medium risk of flooding.
According to the advisory, rising water levels at key river-monitoring stations could increase the likelihood of localised flooding along river channels, floodplains and other vulnerable areas.
The commissioner said the state had continued preparations for the rainy season and had provided the equipment required to monitor water levels.
He explained that regular readings would help authorities assess changing conditions and support early decisions on public warnings and possible evacuations.
<“We are taking daily water-level readings so that we can know when it may become necessary to move people living in flood-prone areas to safer locations,”> the commissioner said.
The government said the approach was designed to reduce the risk of residents being caught unprepared if water levels rise rapidly.
Ugwu said the state government had also undertaken the clearing of drainage channels to allow rainwater to flow more freely.
Blocked drainage systems can increase the risk of flooding in urban communities by preventing water from moving through designated channels.
The commissioner said the drainage-clearing exercise was being carried out alongside public awareness campaigns to encourage residents to take flood warnings seriously and avoid actions that could worsen flooding.
Residents were urged to keep drainage channels free from refuse and to cooperate with government agencies during emergency response operations.
The federal flood advisory warned that rising water levels could lead to localised flooding in areas close to rivers and floodplains.
Benue is particularly vulnerable because of its location within the River Benue basin, where heavy rainfall and increased upstream water flow can raise water levels and affect riverside communities.
Flooding can damage homes, roads, schools, farmlands and public infrastructure while also displacing families and disrupting economic activities.
The risk is especially significant for farming communities, where prolonged flooding can destroy crops and reduce household income.
The state government said its daily monitoring system would support early-warning efforts and help authorities determine when residents in high-risk locations should be moved.
Possible evacuation measures could affect people living near major waterways, floodplains and low-lying communities.
Authorities are expected to work with relevant emergency-management agencies and local authorities to identify vulnerable areas and coordinate response measures if conditions worsen.
The government has not announced any immediate evacuation order.
Residents are therefore encouraged to remain alert but should rely on official information rather than unverified reports.
Residents in flood-prone communities are advised to:
- Monitor weather and flood alerts from government agencies;
- Avoid dumping refuse in drains and waterways;
- Clear drainage channels around homes and business premises;
- Keep important documents in waterproof containers;
- Identify safer locations and possible evacuation routes;
- Avoid walking or driving through fast-moving floodwater;
- Move children, elderly people and persons with disabilities to safer areas when advised; and
- Report blocked drainage channels or rising water levels to relevant authorities.
Residents should also avoid returning to flooded homes until authorities confirm that it is safe. This is important for the following reasons.
1. Early Action Can Save Lives
Daily water-level monitoring can provide authorities with valuable time to issue warnings and move vulnerable residents before flooding becomes severe.
2. Flooding Threatens Homes and Livelihoods
Many communities depend on farming and small businesses that can be severely affected when homes, roads and farmlands are flooded.
3. Drainage Maintenance Can Reduce Urban Flooding
Clearing drainage channels can improve water flow and reduce the impact of heavy rainfall in built-up areas.
However, drainage clearing alone may not prevent flooding caused by major river overflow.
4. Public Cooperation Is Essential
Flood preparedness depends on cooperation between government agencies, local authorities and residents.
Early warnings are most effective when people receive credible information and take recommended safety measures promptly.
The Benue State Government is expected to continue monitoring water levels and reviewing conditions in communities considered vulnerable to flooding.
Authorities may issue additional public advisories if water levels rise or if the risk of flooding increases.
Emergency agencies may also intensify preparedness activities, including public awareness campaigns, risk assessments and the identification of safe locations for possible evacuation.
Prime Brief Media will continue to monitor official flood updates and provide verified information from the Benue State Government, NIHSA and relevant emergency-management agencies.
Benue’s decision to monitor water levels daily reflects a shift toward early action rather than waiting until flooding has already caused widespread damage.
However, the effectiveness of the preparedness plan will depend on whether warnings reach vulnerable communities quickly and whether safe evacuation arrangements are available before an emergency develops.
Flood preparedness is not limited to government action. Residents also have a role in keeping drainage channels clear, following official warnings and avoiding high-risk areas during periods of heavy rainfall.
With the rainy season continuing, the most important test will be whether early monitoring leads to timely decisions that protect lives, homes, farms and public infrastructure.
More on Benue