From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has raised an alarm over the deteriorating structural integrity of the Kangimi Dam, warning that its potential failure poses a major safety threat to downstream communities.
In an official alert, the agency urged relevant federal and state authorities to take immediate regulatory and corrective action to assess and reinforce the aging infrastructure.
NSEMA emphasized that prompt intervention is critical to prevent a catastrophic breach, safeguard lives, and protect agricultural land and infrastructure across the surrounding areas.
The Director-General of NSEMA, Comrade Abdullahi Baba Arah, in a statement called for immediate preventive measures, especially as the rainy season continues and the risk of flooding increases across the country.
NSEMA said any significant structural failure of the dam could lead to the sudden release of a large volume of water, potentially causing rapid flooding and affecting communities, infrastructure and other areas downstream.
The agency is therefore calling on the Federal Government, Kaduna State Government, NEMA, relevant dam authorities, the Nigerian Hydrological Agency (NiMet) and security agencies to urgently assess the reported cracks, conduct downstream flood-risk assessments and identify vulnerable communities and critical infrastructure.
Also it called for the activation of effective early-warning systems, emergency evacuation plans and clearly identified safe locations and evacuation routes. It urged stronger coordination among Kaduna, Niger State, the FCT and other potentially affected jurisdictions.
The agency advised residents in potentially vulnerable areas to remain calm and vigilant, avoid unnecessary activities around waterways during heavy rainfall, rely only on official information and identify safe locations in advance.
NSEMA stressed that prevention and preparedness are essential to avoiding loss of lives and property, urging authorities to act before any possible disaster occurs.
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