The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has alerted the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) over likelihood of flooding along the River Benue basin.

A letter signed by the Ministry’s Director of African Affairs, Umar Salisu, dated August 21, reads “the Cameroonian government plans to “open the flood gates of the Lagdo Dam on the Benue River in days ahead.”

It stated that this is due to the heavy rainfall “around the dam catchment area in Northern Cameroon”.

According to the letter, when the release of water becomes necessary, the authorities of the Lagdo Dam will be releasing only modulated variable small amounts of water at a time in order to mitigate and avoid damages that the released water may cause along the River Benue basin in both Cameroon and Nigeria.

“In view of the above, it would be appreciated if the esteemed Agency takes all the necessary proactive steps and actions that will mitigate the damage as well as sensitize the populace living in such areas for vigilance and all necessary precautions,” it added.

Lagdo Dam is a reservoir located in the Northern Province of Cameroon.