NSEMA ANNOUNCES URGENT PUBLIC WARNING AND CALL FOR IMMEDIATE PREVENTIVE ACTION ON KANGIMI DAM

By Our Correspondent

The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has received with serious concern reports regarding the reported structural distress and visible cracks at Kangimi Dam in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, and the potential risk this may pose to downstream communities in Kaduna State, Niger State, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other adjoining areas.

In view of the ongoing rainy season and the increasing risk of flooding across several parts of the country, NSEMA considers the situation at Kangimi Dam a matter requiring urgent technical assessment, coordinated preparedness and preventive action by all relevant authorities.

POTENTIAL RISK TO DOWNSTREAM COMMUNITIES

Any significant structural failure of a major dam can result in the sudden release of a large volume of water, with potentially devastating consequences for communities and critical infrastructure located downstream.

Depending on the actual condition of the dam, reservoir level, downstream drainage systems and prevailing hydrological conditions, a dam failure could generate a rapidly developing flood emergency, potentially affecting communities across state boundaries.

NSEMA therefore urges communities and authorities within potentially exposed areas to take the reported situation seriously without creating unnecessary panic or alarm.

NSEMA’S CALL FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION

NSEMA respectfully calls on the Federal Government of Nigeria, Kaduna State Government, relevant dam authorities, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Nigerian Hydrological Agency, Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), relevant security agencies and other critical stakeholders to urgently:

1. Immediately determine the level of risk posed by the reported cracks and establish  emergency remedial measures.

2. Undertake hydrological and downstream flood-risk assessments, including identification and mapping of potentially vulnerable communities and critical infrastructure.

3. Establish an effective early-warning and emergency communication mechanism for communities that may be exposed to flooding in the event of structural failure.

4. Develop or activate an emergency evacuation and response plan, including clearly identified evacuation routes, safe locations and assembly points.

5. Strengthen inter-state coordination among Kaduna State, Niger State, the FCT and other potentially affected jurisdictions to ensure a coordinated response should the situation deteriorate.

ADVISORY TO COMMUNITIES

NSEMA advises residents living in potentially flood-prone areas downstream of the dam and along connected waterways to remain alert, calm and attentive to official warnings.

Residents are encouraged to:

– Avoid unnecessary activities around waterways and flood channels during periods of heavy rainfall.

– Pay close attention to official information from emergency management authorities.

– Avoid spreading unverified information that could cause panic.

– Keep important documents, medicines and essential household items in easily accessible locations.

– Identify safe locations and possible evacuation routes in advance.

– Immediately report unusual water movement, sudden flooding or other warning signs to the appropriate emergency authorities.

PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN RESPONSE

NSEMA wishes to emphasise that disaster risk reduction begins before disaster occurs. Waiting until a dam failure or major flooding occurs before taking action could result in avoidable loss of lives, displacement of communities, destruction of infrastructure and significant economic losses.

The Agency therefore calls for immediate preventive intervention rather than post-disaster response.

NSEMA remains committed to working with NEMA, Kaduna State authorities, the FCT Administration, relevant federal agencies, local governments, traditional institutions, communities, security agencies and other stakeholders to strengthen preparedness, early warning, evacuation planning and emergency response.

The situation requires vigilance, technical verification and prompt preventive action.

NIGER STATE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (NSEMA)

“Preparedness Saves Lives. Prevention Reduces Disaster Risk.”

COMRADE ABDULLAHI BABA ARAH

Director General NSEMA