NEMA Allays Fear over Poisonous Gas from Lake Nyos

Though there are possible threats due to past consequences, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has allayed the public fear over the danger of Lake Nyos in Cameroon which in August 21, 1986, suddenly emitted a large cloud of carbon dioxide (CO2) which suffocated and killed 1,700 people and 3,500 livestock in nearby villages in Cameroon.

The Director General of the NEMA, AVM Mohammed Audu-Bida (rtd) disclosed this today at Emergency Management Awareness workshop organised by Benue State in collaboration with Crews Projects Limited in Makurdi

Audu-Bida explained that Lake Nyos is a crater lake in the Northwest Province of Cameroon, which is a deep lake high on the flank of an inactive volcano along the Cameroon line of volcanic activity. The lake poses a threat due to its weakening natural wall. He pointed out that some experts have warned that a geological tremor could cause the dike to give way, allowing water to rush into downstream villages all the way into Nigeria.

Audu-Bida said to address the problem, the Federal Government has approved the construction of a dam in Kassimbilla in Taraba State to contain any excessive flooding and gaseous content from slipping into the country from Lake Nyos in Republic of Cameroon.

The NEMA Boss said the dam being constructed by the government would be utilised for electricity generation and agricultural purposes while serving as a reservoir in the case of any eventuality from Lake Nyos. He added that the agency has been communicating with states that may likely be affected in the likelihood of breakage from the Cameroonian side. He said the agency is also assessing the situation in order to develop early warning mechanisms with regards to the breach of the Lake.

The Director General of NEMA who commended the governor of Benue State in providing special funds to address emergency and disaster related issues in the state urged the government to also provide adequate equipment and recruit competent staff in disaster management for its agency.

Early in his remarks at the capacity building for top civil servants in the state, the Executive Secretary of Benue State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Adikpo Agbatse drew the attention of NEMA to threat from Lake Nyos in Cameroon which is receding at about 90cm per annum that might affect Benue State and other neighbouring states if it broke its boundaries, settlements along the Benue river drainage and Katsina-Ala River would be flooded with serious consequence. The breach from Lake Nyos, he added would release poison gases into the atmosphere, endangering the lives of over 3 million people.

He said the threat was first brought to the fore by NEMA in 2001 and since its inception; the Benue Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) has never rested on its oars in tackling the menace. He therefore urged NEMA to support the agency in carrying o0ut some public awareness campaigns in the state on the danger of Lake Nyos.

Yushau A. Shuaib
Head of Press and Public Relations
GSM: 0803-5555-999