The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency has issued a seven-day flood alert for 17 states, warning residents in flood-prone communities to relocate immediately as rising river levels increase the risk of localised flooding across the country.
The warning, contained in the National Flood Advisory (Alert No. NFA-2026-200), covers the period between July 21 and July 27, with the agency attributing the threat to rising water levels recorded at key river monitoring stations nationwide.
The Director-General of NIHSA, Umar Mohammed, said the states likely to be affected are Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara.
According to him, river levels at Saminara on the Karam River, Waya Dam Site on the Waya River and Amber on the Amber River have exceeded both watch and warning thresholds, raising the likelihood of flooding along river channels and floodplains.
Mohammed disclosed that 16 river gauging stations across the country were currently recording elevated water levels, putting surrounding communities at risk.
He called on state governments, local authorities and residents of vulnerable communities to activate precautionary measures without delay to minimise the impact of the anticipated flooding.
The NIHSA boss identified Bauchi as the state with the highest level of exposure, revealing that no fewer than 1,841 communities, 145 schools, 101 health facilities and eight markets had been classified as highly vulnerable to flooding.
He added that several communities and critical public facilities in Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau and Benue states were also under threat.
Mohammed urged the National Emergency Management Agency, State Emergency Management Agencies, local government authorities and community leaders to immediately activate emergency response plans.
He recommended the evacuation of residents, livestock and valuable property from floodplains to safer locations before water levels rise further.
The NIHSA chief also advised emergency agencies to pre-position relief materials, including food supplies, medical items and water treatment chemicals, in communities likely to be affected.
He stressed the need for intensive community sensitisation through early warning volunteers and local communication channels to ensure timely dissemination of flood alerts.
Mohammed further warned residents against walking, driving or riding through flooded roads, bridges and fast-flowing waterways, describing such actions as life-threatening.
He also directed relevant authorities to clear blocked drains, culverts and waterways to improve water flow and reduce the risk of flooding in vulnerable communities.
The agency urged members of the public and disaster management agencies to monitor its daily flood advisories and comply strictly with all safety directives as the rainy season intensifies. (NAN)
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