The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency , NIHSA, has issued a seven-day flood alert, warning that 17 states face a medium risk of flooding between July 21 and July 27, 2026.
The agency said rising water levels in major rivers and floodplains could trigger localized flooding in vulnerable communities, urging immediate preventive actions to avert loss of lives and property.
Director-General of NIHSA, Umar Ibrahim-Mohammed, said hydrological monitoring showed that river levels at key stations, including Saminara on the Karam River, Waya Dam Site on the Waya River and Amber on the Amber River, had exceeded warning thresholds.
According to him, 16 critical gauging stations across the country are currently recording elevated water levels, placing communities along river channels at significant risk of inundation.
According to him the affected states include Bauchi, Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau and Benue, among others.
He noted that thousands of communities, schools, health facilities, markets, religious centres and farmlands are exposed to possible flooding.
The Director General directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), local authorities and community leaders to immediately commence evacuation of residents living in flood-prone areas and relocate livestock and valuable assets to safer locations.
He also called for the pre-positioning of relief materials, including food, medical supplies and water treatment facilities, while urging communities to activate local early warning systems and intensify public awareness campaigns.
He advised residents to avoid walking or driving through flooded roads and ensure that drains, culverts and waterways are cleared to allow free flow of water.
Mohammed urged state governments and the public to closely monitor its daily flood bulletins and take all necessary precautionary measures to minimise the impact of the anticipated flooding.
