Nigeria's Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, commented that the threat of flooding has significantly decreased according to recent data from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) and from the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA). The collaboration between NIHSA and NASRDA is geared to monitor Lagdo Dam to adopt preventive measures to protect individuals from potential flooding in case flood gates are open by the Dam operators.
Processing satellite imagery with a UN-SPIDER Recommended Practice for flood extent mapping, experts at NASRDA monitored the spatial extent of water in the dam, and used the information extracted for near-real-time forecasting of potential floods. The Nigerian government has emphasized the importance of ongoing vigilance, especially in areas traditionally prone to flooding, despite the current threat being alleviated.
The Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology remarked the usefulness of the ongoing collaboration between NIHSA and NASRDA to ensure real-time monitoring and regular updates. This partnership illustrates how space-derived information improves global national catastrophe management efforts.
