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 across parts of the country.
The agency said the advisory was prompted by increased water levels recorded at key river monitoring stations, raising the possibility of localised flooding along river channels and floodplains.
The Director-General of NIHSA, Umar Mohammed, disclosed this in the agency’s National Flood Advisory (Alert No. NFA-2026-200) released on Tuesday.
According to him, the affected states are Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara.
“River levels at Saminaka on the Karam River, Waya Dam site on the Waya River and Amber on the Amber River had exceeded watch and warning thresholds.”
Mohammed said water levels at 16 river gauging stations nationwide had risen above normal, placing communities located near rivers and floodplains at risk of flooding.
He urged state governments, local authorities and residents of vulnerable communities to immediately implement precautionary measures to minimise the impact of possible flooding.
The agency identified Bauchi as the most exposed state, with 1,841 communities, 145 schools, 101 health facilities and eight markets considered vulnerable. It also listed several communities and public facilities in Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau and Benue states as being at risk.
Mohammed called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), local government authorities and community leaders to activate emergency preparedness and response plans.
He recommended the relocation of residents, livestock and valuable property from flood-prone areas to safer locations ahead of any flooding.
The NIHSA boss also advised emergency responders to pre-position food items, medical supplies and water treatment materials in communities likely to be affected.
He stressed the need for effective community sensitisation through early warning volunteers and local communication channels to ensure flood alerts reach residents promptly.
Mohammed further warned residents against walking, driving or riding through flooded roads, bridges or fast-flowing waterways, describing such actions as dangerous.
He also urged relevant authorities to clear blocked drains, culverts and waterways to improve the free flow of water and reduce the risk of flooding.
The agency advised the public to continue monitoring its daily flood forecasts and official advisories for timely updates.
The latest advisory comes days after NIHSA issued a similar warning placing 14 states at medium flood risk between July 14 and July 20. The agency had also identified Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Kaduna, Lagos, Niger and Plateau as states likely to experience localised flooding.
Earlier, the Federal Ministry of Environment warned that heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory, urging residents of flood-prone communities to remain vigilant, follow official weather advisories and relocate where necessary to safeguard lives and property.
