The Federal Government has issued a seven-day flood alert for 17 states, warning residents and authorities to brace for possible flooding between July 21 and July 27.
The warning, contained in the National Flood Advisory (Alert No. NFA-2026-200) issued by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), was attributed to rising water levels at major river monitoring stations across the country.
According to NIHSA Director-General, Umar Mohammed, the affected states are Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara.
The agency identified Bauchi as the most vulnerable state, with 1,841 communities, 145 schools, 101 health facilities and eight markets at risk of flooding. Vulnerable communities and public facilities were also identified in Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau and Benue states.
Mohammed urged state governments, local authorities and residents in flood-prone areas to immediately implement preventive measures to reduce the impact of the anticipated flooding. He called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), local governments and community leaders to activate emergency response plans and relocate residents, livestock and valuables to safer locations.
He also advised emergency responders to pre-position food supplies, medical items and water treatment materials in vulnerable communities, while urging authorities to clear blocked drains, culverts and waterways to improve water flow.
Residents were advised to avoid driving, walking or riding through flooded roads and fast-flowing rivers, and to monitor NIHSA’s daily flood forecasts and advisories for updates.