The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has placed 17 states on medium flood alert, warning that rising river levels could trigger localised flooding in hundreds of vulnerable communities over the next seven days.
In its National Flood Advisory (Alert No. NFA-2026-200), covering July 21 to July 27, the agency urged state governments, emergency management authorities and residents in flood-prone areas to begin immediate evacuation from floodplains to minimise the risk to lives and property.
According to NIHSA, hydrological data from its nationwide monitoring network shows that water levels at key river stations have exceeded both watch and warning thresholds, with 16 gauging stations now recording critically high river levels.
Director-General of NIHSA, Umar Mohammed, said the affected monitoring stations include Saminara on the Karam River, Waya Dam Site on the Waya River and Amber on the Amber River.
“Our hydrological monitoring network indicates that river stages at critical monitoring stations have exceeded watch and warning thresholds.
“Communities along the primary river channels face imminent localized flooding. We strongly advise state governments, local authorities and residents on floodplains to act immediately.”
The agency identified Bauchi, Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau and Benue among the states facing elevated flood risk, alongside 11 other states placed under heightened surveillance.
NIHSA said Bauchi faces the highest projected impact, with 1,841 communities at risk, as well as 145 schools, 101 health facilities and eight markets.
In Imo, the agency projected flooding could affect 415 communities, 423 schools, 198 health facilities, 49 markets, 111 religious centres and 75 hectares of farmland.
Edo is expected to record flooding in 148 communities, along with 131 schools, 123 health facilities, four markets, seven religious centres and seven hectares of farmland.
The advisory also listed 205 communities in Plateau State as vulnerable, alongside 137 schools, 44 health facilities, 16 markets, 81 religious centres and 64 hectares of farmland.
Kaduna has 168 communities, 16 schools and three health facilities within the projected flood zone, while five communities, eight schools and two health facilities in Benue are also at risk.
NIHSA directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) and local authorities to immediately pre-position food, clean water, medical supplies and other emergency relief materials in safe locations ahead of any flooding.
The agency also advised motorists and pedestrians to avoid flooded roads and bridges and urged relevant authorities to clear blocked drainage systems and waterways to improve water flow.
Author
