The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned that 19 states across the country may experience flash flooding as heavy early rains begin to intensify.
In an advisory issued on Thursday, the agency explained that dry and hardened soils caused by prolonged heat could increase surface runoff, leading to flooding in vulnerable areas.
States listed as being at risk include Zamfara, Nasarawa, Kwara, Oyo, Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti, Delta, Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Edo, Ondo and Bayelsa.
NiMet warned that the flooding could result in submerged roads, traffic disruptions, destruction of homes, farmlands and public infrastructure, as well as blocked drainage channels.
The agency also cautioned that power outages, telecommunication disruptions, injuries and outbreaks of water-borne diseases could arise from the situation if preventive measures are not taken.
Residents in affected areas were advised to clear blocked drainages and remain attentive to weather forecasts and flood alerts issued by relevant authorities.
NiMet further urged motorists and pedestrians to avoid driving or walking through flooded areas to reduce the risk of accidents and loss of life.
The agency called on emergency response agencies and other stakeholders to strengthen preparedness and coordination efforts to minimise the impact of possible flooding.
“An informed community is a prepared community. Know the risks and act early,” the advisory stated.
The warning comes weeks after the federal government announced that 14,118 communities across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are at risk of severe flooding in 2026.
States earlier identified as vulnerable include Abia, Adamawa, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara, as well as the FCT.