Flood Alert: FG Warns 17 States of Flood Risk in Next Seven Days

• The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued a seven-day flood advisory, warning that 17 states face a medium risk of flooding between July 21 and July 27 due to rising river levels.

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has warned that 17 states across the country are at risk of flooding over the next seven days as water levels continue to rise in major rivers.

The warning was contained in the agency’s National Flood Advisory (Alert No. NFA-2026-200) issued on Tuesday by the Director-General, Umar Mohammed.

According to the advisory, the flood risk will remain in effect from July 21 to July 27, with communities located along river channels and floodplains urged to remain on alert.

The affected states include Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara.

Mohammed explained that the warning followed rising water levels recorded at key monitoring stations, including Saminaka on the Karam River, the Waya Dam site on the Waya River, and Amber on the Amber River, where river levels have exceeded watch and warning thresholds.

He added that 16 river gauging stations nationwide are currently recording elevated water levels, increasing the likelihood of localized flooding in nearby communities.

According to NIHSA, Bauchi State faces the highest level of exposure, with 1,841 communities, 145 schools, 101 health facilities, and eight markets identified as vulnerable to flooding.

The agency also listed several vulnerable communities and public facilities in Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau, and Benue states.

NIHSA urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), local governments and community leaders to activate emergency response plans and relocate residents, livestock and valuables from flood-prone areas where necessary.

The agency also advised emergency responders to pre-position food supplies, medical materials and water treatment resources in vulnerable communities while encouraging authorities to clear blocked drains, culverts and waterways to reduce the impact of flooding.

Residents were warned to avoid walking, driving or riding through flooded roads, bridges and fast-flowing rivers and to follow daily flood updates issued by the agency.