NIHSA warns 17 states of flood risk between July 21 and 27

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has warned that 17 states are at risk of flooding between July 21 and July 27, 2026.

The warning was contained in the agency’s National Flood Advisory (Alert No. NFA-2026-200), which forecasts a medium flood risk across the affected states.

Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NIHSA, Arc. Umar Mohammed, said the states expected to experience flooding include Bauchi, Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau and Benue, along with 11 others.

According to him, the forecast indicates the likelihood of localized flooding along major river channels and floodplains, stressing the need for proactive measures, timely evacuation where necessary and effective coordination among relevant agencies to safeguard lives and property.

“Our hydrological monitoring network indicates that river stages at critical monitoring stations, including Saminara on the Karam River, Waya Dam Site on the Waya River, and Amber on the Amber River, have exceeded watch and warning thresholds.

“With 16 gauging stations showing elevated stages, communities along the primary river channels face imminent localized flooding. We strongly advise state governments, local authorities and residents living on floodplains to act immediately,” Mohammed said.

According to the advisory, 16 critical gauging stations across the country’s hydrometric network are currently being closely monitored.

NIHSA also highlighted the potential impact of the expected flooding in some of the affected states.

In Bauchi State, about 1,841 communities, 145 schools, 101 health facilities and eight markets are considered vulnerable.

In Edo State, the agency identified 148 communities, 131 schools, 123 health facilities, four markets, seven religious centres and about seven hectares of farmland as being at risk.

The agency urged state governments, emergency management agencies and residents in vulnerable communities to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures to minimise the impact of the anticipated flooding.