The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued a flood alert, warning that 17 states across the country face a medium flood risk between July 21 and July 27, 2026.
The warning was contained in the agency’s latest National Flood Advisory (Alert No. NFA-2026-200), which forecasts possible localized flooding along major rivers and floodplains during the period.
Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NIHSA, Arc. Umar Mohammed, said states expected to be affected include Bauchi, Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau, Benue, alongside 11 other states.
According to the agency, hydrological monitoring has shown that water levels at several key river stations have risen above normal warning thresholds, increasing the likelihood of flooding in nearby communities.
NIHSA identified monitoring stations at Saminara on the Karam River, Waya Dam Site on the Waya River, and Amber on the Amber River as locations where river levels have exceeded critical limits. Overall, 16 gauging stations across the country are currently recording elevated water levels.
The agency warned that communities situated along major river channels and floodplains are particularly vulnerable and urged authorities at all levels to take immediate preventive measures.
Areas and Facilities at Risk
The advisory indicates that thousands of communities and critical public facilities could be affected if flooding occurs.
In Bauchi State, about 1,841 communities, 145 schools, 101 health facilities, and eight markets are considered vulnerable.
For Edo State, the forecast covers 148 communities, 131 schools, 123 health facilities, four markets, seven religious centres, and approximately seven hectares of farmland.
In Imo State, the agency identified 415 communities, 423 schools, 198 health facilities, 49 markets, 111 religious centres, and 75 hectares of farmland as areas at risk.
The advisory also listed 168 communities in Kaduna State, along with 16 schools, three health facilities, and three religious centres.
In Plateau State, the warning affects 205 communities, 137 schools, 44 health facilities, 16 markets, 81 religious centres, and 64 hectares of farmland.
For Benue State, NIHSA identified five communities, eight schools, two health facilities, and four religious centres as potentially vulnerable.
NIHSA Urges Immediate Preparedness
The agency called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), local government authorities and community leaders to implement emergency preparedness measures without delay.
Among its recommendations, NIHSA urged residents living in flood-prone areas to relocate to safer locations with their families, livestock and valuable belongings where necessary.
Emergency response agencies were advised to pre-position food supplies, medical equipment, clean water and other relief materials in strategic locations to ensure rapid response if flooding occurs.
The agency also encouraged communities to activate local early-warning systems and ensure timely dissemination of information to residents.
Motorists and pedestrians were warned against attempting to drive or walk through flooded roads, bridges or fast-moving water, while authorities were advised to clear blocked drainage channels, culverts and waterways to improve the free flow of water.
NIHSA further urged state governments and members of the public to closely monitor its daily flood advisories and weather updates throughout the forecast period to reduce the risk of loss of lives and property.
