NiHSA Issues High Flood Risk Alert Across 15 States

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has issued a high flood risk alert for 15 states, warning communities to take immediate precautionary measures as rising river levels increase the threat of riverine flooding.

NiHSA Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, said the alert covers the period from September 19 to 25, 2026.

The flood warning, designated NFA-2026-262, identified nine river monitoring stations considered to be at risk, including Obubra, Itigidi and Epento along the Cross River.

Mohammed urged state and local governments, emergency management agencies, traditional and community leaders, as well as residents of vulnerable areas, to act promptly to protect lives, property and livelihoods.

According to NiHSA’s assessment, significant populations and critical infrastructure could be exposed to flooding in the affected states.

In Cross River State, the agency identified 2,471 communities, 703 schools, 344 health facilities, 145 markets, 453 religious centres and 854 hectares of farmland within areas considered vulnerable.

The assessment also highlighted Imo, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra and Akwa Ibom states, alongside nine other states contained in the agency’s detailed reports.

Mohammed advised residents in flood-prone communities not to wait until flooding occurs before taking preventive measures.

He urged people living in vulnerable areas to move themselves, livestock and valuables to higher ground where necessary, while communities should activate early-warning and emergency response mechanisms.

The NiHSA boss also advised residents to regularly monitor official flood advisories and river-level updates and avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges or fast-moving water, whether on foot or in vehicles.

He called on relevant authorities to pre-position relief materials, safe drinking water, water-treatment supplies and first-aid materials while identifying safe shelters for possible temporary evacuation.

Communities were also advised to clear blocked drainage channels and river outlets where it is safe to do so and avoid construction or habitation in vulnerable floodplains.

Mohammed stressed that early action and compliance with official warnings remained critical to reducing the risk of deaths and damage to property and livelihoods.

NiHSA said it would continue monitoring hydrological conditions and river levels across the affected areas and issue further updates where necessary.

The agency urged residents and relevant authorities to remain vigilant and rely on official NiHSA advisories for timely and accurate flood information.