NiHSA issues flood alert for 15 Nigerian states

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has issued a high flood risk alert for 15 states, forecasting potential riverine flooding between September 19 and 25. The advisory warns that rising river levels could impact significant populations and critical infrastructure across states including Imo, Cross River, Lagos, Delta, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Edo, Kogi, Taraba, Bayelsa, Enugu, and Abia.

In Cross River State alone, the agency identified 2,471 communities, 703 schools, 344 health facilities, 145 markets, 453 religious centers, and 854 hectares of farmland at risk. In Imo State, the alert covers 958 communities, 1,022 schools, 553 healthcare facilities, 161 markets, and 198 religious buildings.

NiHSA Director-General Umar Mohammed has urged state and local governments, community leaders, and traditional rulers to activate emergency response mechanisms. Residents in flood-prone areas are advised to relocate people, livestock, and valuables to higher ground. The agency also recommended the pre-positioning of relief materials, such as safe drinking water and first-aid supplies, and cautioned against attempting to cross flooded roads or fast-moving water.