Flood Alert: NIHSA Puts 17 States on Red Alert, Warns Thousands of Communities at Risk This Week

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued a seven-day flood warning for 17 states, cautioning that thousands of communities, schools, health facilities, markets, and farmlands could be affected by rising water levels between July 21 and July 27, 2026.

In its latest National Flood Advisory titled “Forecasting a Medium Flood Risk Across 17 States,” the agency said the warning follows hydrological data showing that several major rivers have exceeded critical watch and warning thresholds, raising the likelihood of localised flooding along river channels and floodplains.

Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NIHSA, Arc. Umar Mohammed, identified Bauchi, Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau, and Benue among the states facing the greatest threat, alongside 11 others.

According to him, river levels at key monitoring stations, including Saminara on the Karam River, Waya Dam Site on the Waya River, and Amber on the Amber River, have risen above critical levels, while 16 gauging stations across the country are recording elevated water stages.

“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 channels face imminent localised flooding. We strongly advise state governments, local authorities, and residents on floodplains to act immediately,” Mohammed said.

The advisory projects widespread impacts across vulnerable communities.

In Bauchi State alone, NIHSA said flooding could affect 1,841 communities, 145 schools, 101 health facilities, and eight markets.

In Edo State, the agency forecast flooding in 148 communities, 131 schools, 123 health facilities, four markets, seven religious centres, and about seven hectares of farmland.

Imo State is expected to record one of the highest impacts, with 415 communities, 423 schools, 198 health facilities, 49 markets, 111 religious centres, and about 75 hectares of farmland projected to be affected.

Kaduna State could see flooding in 168 communities, 16 schools, three health facilities, and three religious centres, while Plateau State may witness flooding across 205 communities, 137 schools, 44 health facilities, 16 markets, 81 religious centres, and 64 hectares of farmland.

In Benue State, the agency warned that five communities, eight schools, two health facilities, and four religious centres are at risk.

NIHSA urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), local government authorities, and community leaders to begin immediate evacuation of residents living in flood-prone areas.

The agency also advised emergency responders to pre-position food supplies, medical materials, first-aid equipment, and water-treatment facilities in safe locations before flooding occurs.

It further called for the activation of community-based early warning systems and rapid communication channels to alert residents of impending danger.

Residents were warned against walking, driving, or attempting to cross flooded roads, bridges, or fast-flowing waterways, while state governments were advised to clear blocked drainage systems, culverts, and river channels to ensure the free flow of water.

NIHSA also urged the public and relevant authorities to monitor its daily flood bulletins and comply with safety advisories throughout the forecast period.