NIHSA alerts 15 states over imminent flood risk

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued a high flood risk alert to 15 states, warning residents and authorities of possible riverine flooding between September 19 and 25.

The alert, designated NFA-2026-262, identified nine river stations at risk, including Obubra, Itigidi and Epento on the Cross River, where rising river levels require close monitoring.

NIHSA Director General/Chief Executive Officer, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, urged state and local governments, emergency agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and residents in vulnerable areas to take immediate precautionary measures.

The agency said significant populations, infrastructure and livelihoods are exposed to flooding across the affected areas.

In Cross River State alone, NIHSA identified 2,471 communities, 703 schools, 344 health facilities, 145 markets, 453 religious centres and 854 hectares of farmland within the identified exposure areas.

Other states highlighted in the assessment include Imo, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra and Akwa Ibom, alongside nine other affected states covered by the agency’s detailed reports.

Mohammed urged residents in flood-prone communities to take the warning seriously and act before flooding occurs.

He advised authorities and communities to move people, livestock and valuables from vulnerable floodplains to safer, higher ground where necessary, while activating community-based early-warning and response mechanisms.

They were also advised to monitor NIHSA flood advisories and river-level updates, avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges and fast-moving water, and pre-position relief materials, safe drinking water, water-treatment supplies and first-aid materials.

The agency further urged communities to identify safe shelters for possible evacuation, clear blocked drainage channels and river outlets where safe to do so, and avoid construction or habitation in vulnerable floodplain areas.

The DG stressed that early action and compliance with official flood warnings remained critical to reducing the risk of deaths, destruction of property and loss of livelihoods.

NIHSA said it would continue monitoring hydrological conditions and river levels across the affected areas and issue further updates as necessary.