Jelili Gbadamosi
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has placed 17 states on flood alert, warning of possible flooding between July 21 and 27 and calling on governments and residents to take urgent preventive measures.
The warning was contained in the agency’s National Flood Advisory (Alert No. NFA-2026-200), which forecast a medium flood risk in the affected states due to rising water levels in major rivers and floodplains.
Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NIHSA, Umar Mohammed, said the states at risk include Bauchi, Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau, Benue and 11 others.
According to him, hydrological monitoring has shown that water levels at key gauging stations, including Saminara on the Karam River, Waya Dam Site on the Waya River and Amber on the Amber River, have exceeded watch and warning thresholds, increasing the likelihood of localised flooding.
Mohammed disclosed that 16 gauging stations had recorded elevated water levels, warning that communities located along river channels and floodplains face an imminent flood threat.
Bauchi State was identified as the most vulnerable, with 1,841 communities, 145 schools, 101 health facilities and eight markets located within areas at risk of flooding.
The advisory also listed 148 communities in Edo State, 415 in Imo, 168 in Kaduna, 205 in Plateau and five in Benue as vulnerable to the anticipated floods, alongside several schools, health facilities, religious centres and farmlands.
NIHSA urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), local government councils and community leaders to commence the evacuation of residents in flood-prone communities and position relief materials, including food, potable water and medical supplies, ahead of any emergency.
The agency stressed that early preparedness and coordinated response would be critical in minimising the impact of the expected flooding on lives and property.
