The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has warned of high flood risk across 15 states, including Cross River State, where 2,471 communities are exposed to possible flooding. According to NiHSA's latest assessment, the flood risk is expected to occur between September 19 and 25. The agency's warning is contained in its high flood risk alert designated NFA-2026-262.
The assessment also identified 703 schools, 344 health facilities, 145 markets, 453 religious centres, and 854 hectares of farmland in Cross River State within the identified flood exposure areas. The warning follows forecasts of rising river levels and increased risk of riverine flooding across the affected areas. Nine river stations are at risk, with Obubra, Itigidi, and Epento on the Cross River among locations requiring close monitoring.
The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NiHSA, Umar Mohammed, urged state governments, local government councils, emergency management authorities, traditional rulers, community leaders, and residents in vulnerable locations to take immediate precautionary measures. He advised residents in flood-prone communities to act before flooding occurs, including moving people, livestock, and valuables from vulnerable floodplains to pre-identified higher ground where necessary.
Mohammed also called for the activation of community-based early-warning and response mechanisms and urged residents to regularly monitor NiHSA flood advisories and river-level updates. He cautioned residents against crossing flooded roads, bridges, or fast-moving water, whether on foot or by vehicle. Authorities were advised to pre-position relief materials, safe drinking water, water-treatment supplies, and first-aid materials.
Other states highlighted in the assessment include Imo, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, and Akwa Ibom, alongside nine additional affected states covered in the detailed state reports. The NiHSA boss stressed that early action and adherence to official flood warnings were critical to reducing the risk of loss of lives, property, and livelihoods.
Mohammed advised stakeholders to identify and prepare safe shelters for possible temporary evacuation, clear blocked drainage channels and river outlets where it is safe to do so, and avoid construction and habitation in vulnerable floodplain areas. He emphasized the importance of relying on official advisories for timely flood information.
NiHSA said it would continue to monitor hydrological conditions and river levels across the affected areas and issue further updates as necessary, urging members of the public to remain vigilant. The agency's efforts aim to mitigate the impact of flooding and reduce the risk of loss of lives, property, and livelihoods in the affected communities.
Key points
- 2,471 communities in Cross River State are at risk of flooding.
- NiHSA warns of high flood risk across 15 states.
- Residents urged to take immediate precautionary measures to mitigate flood impact.
