Pat Stevens/
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has issued a fresh nationwide flood warning, alerting that 107 local government areas across 29 states and the Federal Capital Territory are at risk of flooding between 1 and 15 September, with more than 631 communities and over 50 critical transport and public infrastructure assets potentially in the path of rising waters.
The warning, released on Monday in Abuja, signals an escalation in the country’s annual flood threat as authorities urge governments at all levels to activate emergency response plans before the anticipated downpours intensify.
NiHSA said the advisory was derived from projections contained in the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook, supported by real-time hydrological data, river-stage forecasts and satellite mapping.
According to a statement signed by the Director-General of the agency, Umar Mohammed, the affected areas face flood risks ranging from moderate to very high, with the possibility of river overflows, flash floods and widespread inundation of low-lying and riverine communities.
The states identified in the latest advisory are Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara, as well as the Federal Capital Territory.
NiHSA warned that the expected flooding could sever major highways and bridges, destroy homes and farmlands, disrupt economic activities, damage critical infrastructure and increase the risk of waterborne diseases through contamination of water sources.
The agency called on the National Emergency Management Agency, state emergency management agencies and other disaster response institutions to immediately activate contingency plans, deploy emergency personnel and pre-position relief materials in vulnerable communities.
It also urged local government authorities and traditional institutions to intensify public awareness campaigns, identify safe evacuation routes and prepare temporary shelters for residents who may be displaced by flooding.
Mohammed appealed to residents in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant, avoid travelling through flooded roads, relocate to higher ground where necessary and comply with official safety advisories.
“Communities and individuals should avoid flooded roads, move to higher ground where necessary, and follow official safety instructions.
“This alert is to safeguard lives and property, and we call for proactive measures across all levels,” he said.
NiHSA said it would continue to monitor river levels and rainfall patterns across the country and issue further advisories as conditions evolve.
The latest warning comes as Nigeria enters the peak of its annual flood season, when sustained rainfall, rising river levels and overflowing drainage systems historically combine to trigger severe flooding in many parts of the country.
Authorities have repeatedly stressed that early preparedness and timely evacuation remain the most effective means of reducing loss of life and property during the period.
0Related posts:
NiHSA Warns of Major Flood Risk in Lagos as Heavy Rains Continue Across Nigeria
Flooding: NEMA Declares National Emergency in 4 States, 100 Dead
Flooding Reflects Conditions Established Before it Begins
Mahama Blames Climate Change, Reckless Human Behaviour after Flood Kills 12 in Accra, Wreaks Havoc in Lagos
Flood Sacks 24 Benue Communities, Displaces Over 100,000 (+Photos)
Demolition is No Option at Isheri-Abiodun as Governor Ponders Solution to Flooding