……NiHSA urges state governments to relocate vulnerable residents as rising river levels threaten communities and critical infrastructure.
More than 8,000 communities and 4,500 schools across 15 Nigerian states are at risk of flooding between September 19 and 25, 2026, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has warned.
The agency issued the alert in its latest National Flood Advisory, signed by its Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Arch Umar Mohammed.
NiHSA said rising river levels could trigger riverine flooding, affecting communities, schools, healthcare facilities, markets, religious buildings and farmlands.
15 States Listed in Flood Advisory
The affected states are:
- Imo
- Cross River
- Ebonyi
- Benue
- Anambra
- Akwa Ibom
- Lagos
- Rivers
- Edo
- Kogi
- Taraba
- Delta
- Bayelsa
- Enugu
- Abia
The agency identified nine river stations requiring close monitoring, including Obubra, Itigidi and Epento along the Cross River.
States With Communities and Facilities at Risk
In Imo State, NiHSA identified 958 communities, 1,022 schools, 553 healthcare facilities, 161 markets and 198 religious buildings as exposed.
Cross River State has 2,471 communities, 703 schools, 344 healthcare facilities, 145 markets, 453 religious buildings and 854 hectares of farmland listed as vulnerable.
In Ebonyi State, 2,574 communities, 1,064 schools, 422 healthcare facilities, 480 markets, 629 religious buildings and 1,882 hectares of farmland were identified.
The agency also listed 303 communities and 100 schools among other exposed facilities in Benue State.
NiHSA Urges Immediate Preventive Measures
Mohammed called on state governments, local councils, emergency management authorities, traditional rulers and community leaders to take urgent action.
He urged authorities to relocate residents in vulnerable communities to safer locations before flooding occurs.
“Communities on the floodplain should prepare to move to higher ground,” Mohammed advised.
NiHSA also encouraged residents in flood-prone areas to take precautionary measures and follow official safety instructions.
The agency’s warning covers the forecast period from September 19 to 25, 2026.
