FG Lists 17 States at Risk of Deadly Flooding – Urgent Warning to Residents

The Federal Government has released a new flood warning, advising residents in 17 states about the potential for flooding over the upcoming week as water levels continue to rise.

The warning, issued by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), is detailed in the National Flood Advisory (Alert No. NFA-2026-200) and is effective from July 21 to July 27.

Umar Mohammed, the Director-General of NIHSA, stated that the alert is a result of a consistent increase in water levels at critical river monitoring stations. This trend raises concerns over the likelihood of localized flooding in areas along river channels and floodplains.

Residents in the affected states are advised to remain vigilant and prepared for potential flooding conditions.

The states identified as being at medium flood risk are Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara.

Mohammed said river levels at several critical locations had already exceeded warning thresholds, raising concerns about possible flooding in surrounding communities.

He said, “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.”

The NIHSA boss added that no fewer than 16 river gauging stations across the country were currently recording elevated water levels, placing nearby communities at risk of localised flooding if heavy rainfall continues.

He urged state governments, local authorities and residents living in flood-prone areas to begin taking precautionary measures immediately to minimise the impact of possible flooding.

Bauchi State was identified as the most vulnerable, with the agency revealing that about 1,841 communities, 145 schools, 101 health facilities and eight markets are exposed to flood risks. The agency also listed several vulnerable communities and public facilities in Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau and Benue states.

Mohammed called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), local government authorities and community leaders to activate emergency preparedness and response plans without delay.

He recommended that residents living on floodplains relocate to safer areas, taking along their families, livestock and valuables before floodwaters rise.

The NIHSA Director-General also advised emergency agencies to pre-position food supplies, medical materials and water treatment equipment in communities likely to be affected to ensure a quicker response if flooding occurs.

He stressed the need for early warning systems to reach vulnerable communities, urging authorities to mobilise local volunteers and utilise community communication channels to spread flood alerts promptly.

Mohammed also warned residents against attempting to walk, drive or ride through flooded roads, bridges and fast-flowing waterways, noting that such actions could result in avoidable loss of lives.

He further urged relevant authorities to clear blocked drains, culverts and waterways to improve the free flow of water and reduce the risk of flooding during the rainy season.

The latest advisory comes as Nigeria continues to experience heavy rainfall across several parts of the country, with recent flooding affecting communities in Lagos and other states. According to data from the National Emergency Management Agency, floods in 2025 claimed 232 lives, injured more than 600 people, affected over 315,000 residents, displaced more than 113,000 people and destroyed thousands of homes and hectares of farmland.

Mohammed advised both government agencies and members of the public to continue monitoring daily flood forecasts and advisories issued by NIHSA throughout the rainy season.