FG Attributes Mokwa Flood to Heavy Rainfall, Climate Change, and Poor Drainage, Not Dam Releases

FG Attributes Mokwa Flood to Heavy Rainfall, Climate Change, and Poor Drainage, Not Dam ReleasesImage Credit: thesun

The Federal Government of Nigeria has clarified that the devastating flood in Mokwa, Niger State, was due to excessive rainfall exacerbated by climate change, not the release of water from Kainji or Jebba dams, which remain operational and structurally sound.

Minister of Water Resources, Prof. Joseph Utsev, cited intense rainfall and blockage of a tributary to River Dingi from unregulated constructions as the main causes of the flood on May 29.

Technical agencies including NIHSA, UNRBDA, and NWRI are conducting assessments, with the flood event having been predicted in the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook identifying Mokwa as a high-risk zone.

The government urges improved drainage infrastructure, relocation of vulnerable communities, public awareness, and enforcement of land regulations to mitigate future flood risks.

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