FLOOD DISASTER LOOMS, FG WARNS 17 STATES

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency has issued a seven-day flood advisory, warning of a medium flood risk in 17 states between July 21 and July 27.

The agency said the alert followed rising water levels at key river monitoring stations, increasing the likelihood of localised flooding along river channels and floodplains.

NIHSA Director-General, Umar Mohammed, disclosed this in the National Flood Advisory (Alert No. NFA-2026-200) issued on Tuesday.

He listed the affected states as “Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara.”

According to Mohammed, “River levels at Saminaka on the Karam River, Waya Dam site on the Waya River and Amber on the Amber River had exceeded watch and warning thresholds.”

He said 16 gauging stations nationwide were recording elevated river levels, placing nearby communities at risk of localised flooding.

Mohammed urged state governments, local authorities and residents of flood-prone communities to take precautionary measures immediately.

NIHSA said Bauchi had the highest exposure, with 1,841 communities, 145 schools, 101 health facilities and eight markets identified as vulnerable.

The agency also identified vulnerable communities and public facilities in Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau and Benue states.

Mohammed urged the National Emergency Management Agency, State Emergency Management Agencies, local governments and community leaders to activate emergency response plans.

He recommended relocating residents, livestock and valuables from floodplains to safer locations.

He also advised emergency agencies to pre-position food, medical supplies and water treatment materials in areas likely to be affected.

The NIHSA boss called for community mobilisation through early warning volunteers and local communication channels to ensure the timely dissemination of flood alerts.

He cautioned residents against walking, driving or riding through flooded roads, bridges and fast-flowing waterways.

Mohammed further urged authorities to clear blocked drains, culverts and waterways to improve water flow and reduce flooding.

He advised the public and relevant agencies to monitor daily flood updates and advisories issued by NIHSA.

The latest advisory comes days after the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency warned that 14 states could experience medium flood risk between July 14 and July 20, following its latest hydrological forecast. The agency identified Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Kaduna, Lagos, Niger and Plateau as states likely to experience localised flooding, urging residents in vulnerable communities to take precautionary measures.

Earlier, the Federal Ministry of Environment had also issued a flood alert for 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory, warning that heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in hundreds of communities.

The ministry advised residents in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant, monitor official weather advisories and relocate where necessary to minimise the risk to lives and property.