Nigerian government warns states of flooding, assures Alau Dam remains intact

The Federal Government on Friday rejected reports of the collapse of the Alau Dam in Borno State.

At least 30 people have been confirmed dead and more than 400,000 others displaced by this week’s devastating floods in the state, with many pointing to the collapse of a dam located on the Ngadda River in Maiduguri as the cause of the incident.

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, who spoke at a press conference in Abuja, attributed the overflow to climate change and unusually heavy rainfall.

He noted that earlier this year, flood risk warnings identified 31 states, including Borno, as high-risk areas.

READ ALSO: Panic in Maiduguri as Alau Dam bursts due to flooding (Video)

He added that a team of technical experts from the ministry, various agencies and the Chad Basin Development Authority are currently assessing the damage and seeking solutions.

Utsev warned residents about the risks of contaminated water and the potential for waterborne diseases.

He also warned of the increasing threat of flooding along the Niger and Benue rivers and urged all states to remain vigilant and take proactive measures.

The minister said President Bola Tinubu had approved N108 billion for flood prevention in 36 states following the recommendation of the Presidential Committee on Flood Prevention.

Utsev urged state governments and stakeholders to follow early warning systems and implement preventive measures to reduce future incidents.

Nigerian government warns states of flooding, confirms Alau Dam intact first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.