Kaduna's Kangimi Dam Shows Cracks, NSEMA Cautions FG on Flood Threat

The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has issued a serious alert to the Federal Government, highlighting significant structural distress and visible cracks observed at the Kangimi dam in Kaduna State.

Abdullahi Baba-Arah, the Director General of NSEMA, made this revelation in a statement provided to Arewa PUNCH. He warned that the compromised dam poses a substantial risk of severe flooding to communities in Kaduna and Niger states, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and other adjacent regions.

Baba-Arah underscored the urgent necessity for a thorough technical assessment, collaborative preparedness, and proactive preventive measures by all relevant government bodies concerning the Kangimi dam's state. He stressed that this is particularly critical given the ongoing rainy season and the escalating flood risks prevalent across various parts of the country.

“The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has received with serious concern reports regarding the reported structural distress and visible cracks aat 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,” Baba-Arah stated.

He continued, “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.”

“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,” he further emphasized.

Baba-Arah added that “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.”

The Director General therefore urged both communities and authorities within the potentially exposed areas to treat the reported situation with seriousness, while cautioning against the creation of unnecessary panic or alarm.

He specifically called upon the federal government, the Kaduna State Government, pertinent dam authorities, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigerian Hydrological Agency, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), relevant security agencies, and other crucial stakeholders to act swiftly.

Baba-Arah implored these authorities to determine the precise level of risk presented by the reported cracks, implement emergency remedial measures, conduct comprehensive hydrological and downstream flood-risk assessments – including the identification and mapping of potentially vulnerable communities and critical infrastructure. He also advocated for the establishment of an effective early-warning and emergency communication system for communities that might be exposed to flooding in the event of a structural failure.

The NSEMA boss further pressed for the development or activation of an emergency evacuation and response plan, complete with clearly defined evacuation routes, safe locations, and designated assembly points. He highlighted the importance of strengthening inter-state coordination among Kaduna State, Niger State, the FCT, and other potentially affected jurisdictions to ensure a unified and coordinated response should the situation deteriorate.

He concluded with vital advice for residents, maintaining, “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.”

He added, “Avoid unnecessary activities around waterways and flood channels during periods of heavy rainfall, pay close attention to official information from emergency management authorities and avoid spreading unverified information that could cause panic.”

Baba-Arah further cautioned, “Keep important documents, medicines and essential household items in easily accessible locations, identify safe locations and possible evacuation routes in advance and immediately report unusual water movement, sudden flooding or other warning signs to the appropriate emergency authorities.”