The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has cautioned that 17 states face potential floods from July 21 to 27, advising people and officials in those regions to implement urgent safety measures.
The alert was included in the agency’s National Flood Advisory (Alert No. NFA-2026-200), which predicted a moderate flood hazard in the impacted states.
Umar Mohammed, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NIHSA, stated that the states encompass Bauchi, Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau, Benue, and 11 other ones.
He clarified that the prediction indicates potential localised inundation along significant river corridors and floodplains, emphasising the necessity for prompt measures to safeguard lives and assets.
Mohammed stated that NIHSA’s hydrological monitoring system has documented water levels exceeding the watch and warning thresholds at significant monitoring locations, such as Saminara on the Karam River, Waya Dam Site on the Waya River, and Amber on the Amber River.
Sixteen gauging stations indicate heightened water levels, putting areas adjacent to significant river routes at risk of impending localised flooding. We recommend that state governments, municipal authorities, and inhabitants of flood-prone regions respond promptly,” stated Mohammed.
The advisory indicates that Bauchi State possesses the largest quantity of at-risk communities, totalling 1,841. The state comprises 145 educational institutions, 101 healthcare facilities, and eight marketplaces situated in at-risk regions.
In Edo State, 148 settlements, 131 educational institutions, 123 healthcare facilities, four marketplaces, seven places of worship, and seven hectares of agricultural land are at risk of potential inundation.
The agency has recognised 415 communities in Imo State, 168 in Kaduna, 205 in Plateau, and five in Benue as vulnerable.
Mohammed urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), local government officials, and community leaders to initiate the prompt evacuation of residents in flood-prone regions.
He additionally implored emergency organisations to strategically place food, medical provisions, potable water, and other relief resources in secure areas in anticipation of potential flooding.