Alert! Flood danger looms in 15 Nigerian states

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has warned of a heightened risk of riverine flooding in 15 states between September 19 and 25.

The warning, contained in Flood Alert NFA-2026-262, followed projections of rising water levels in rivers and streams across the affected locations.

The states listed in the alert are Imo, Cross River, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Rivers, Edo, Kogi, Taraba, Delta, Bayelsa, Enugu and Abia.

NiHSA Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Umar Mohammed, said on Saturday that nine river monitoring stations had been identified as requiring particular attention because of the flood threat.

Among the locations highlighted were Obubra, Itigidi and Epento along the Cross River.

Mohammed called on state governments, local government authorities, emergency management agencies, traditional rulers and community leaders to take preventive measures without delay.

He urged residents of vulnerable communities to relocate people, livestock and valuable belongings to higher and safer locations where necessary.

The agency’s assessment also showed that large populations and essential facilities could be exposed to flooding in the affected areas.

In Cross River State alone, the assessment identified 2,471 communities, 703 schools, 344 health facilities, 145 markets, 453 religious centres and 854 hectares of farmland as being within areas exposed to flood risks.

Mohammed advised communities to activate their local early-warning and emergency response systems while keeping track of NiHSA’s flood alerts and updates on river levels.

He warned residents against attempting to cross flooded roads, bridges or fast-flowing water, either on foot or in vehicles.

Authorities and communities were also advised to make arrangements for relief supplies, safe drinking water, water-treatment materials and first-aid equipment ahead of any emergency.

Mohammed further urged officials to identify and prepare suitable shelters that could be used if temporary evacuation became necessary.

He advised residents to clear blocked drainage channels and river outlets where it could be done safely, while cautioning against building or living in areas vulnerable to flooding.

According to the NiHSA chief, taking action early and complying with official flood warnings would help minimise the potential loss of lives, property and livelihoods.

The agency said it would continue monitoring river levels and hydrological conditions across the affected states and issue additional alerts when necessary.