Lagos: The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has issued a high flood risk alert for 15 states from September 19 to September 25.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the alert, designated NFA-2026-262, is based on forecasts of rising river levels and an increased risk of riverine flooding across the affected areas. The states identified are Imo, Cross River, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Rivers, Edo, Kogi, Taraba, Delta, Bayelsa, Enugu, and Abia.
Mr. Umar Mohammed, Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NiHSA, in a statement on Saturday, emphasized that nine river stations were at risk and required close monitoring. He pointed out Obubra, Itigidi, and Epento on the Cross River as key locations identified in the assessment.
Mohammed urged state governments, local government councils, emergency management authorities, traditional, and community leaders to take immediate precautionary measures. He also advised residents in flood-prone communities to relocate people, livestock, and valuables to safer and higher ground where necessary.
The assessment identified significant populations and critical infrastructure exposed to flood risks across the affected areas. In Cross River alone, 2,471 communities, 703 schools, 344 health facilities, 145 markets, 453 religious centers, and 854 hectares of farmland were identified within the exposure areas.
The NiHSA chief encouraged communities to activate local early-warning and response mechanisms and to monitor the agency’s flood advisories and river-level updates. He advised residents to avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges, and fast-moving water, whether on foot or in vehicles.
Furthermore, Mohammed urged relevant authorities and communities to pre-position relief materials, safe drinking water, water-treatment supplies, and first-aid materials. He called for the identification and preparation of safe shelters for possible temporary evacuation.
He also recommended that residents clear blocked drainage channels and river outlets where it was safe to do so and avoid construction or habitation in vulnerable floodplain areas. The Director-General emphasized that early action and adherence to official flood warnings were critical to reducing the risk of loss of lives, property, and livelihoods.
NiHSA stated it would continue to monitor hydrological conditions and river levels across the affected areas and issue further updates as necessary.