The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has issued a fresh high flood-risk alert across 15 states, warning of rising river levels and possible riverine flooding between September 19 and 25. According to NiHSA's NFA-2026-262 alert, nine river stations require close monitoring, including Obubra, Itigidi, and Epento along the Cross River. The agency has urged state and local governments, emergency management authorities, and residents of vulnerable communities to take precautionary measures before flooding occurs.
NiHSA Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, emphasized that early action is critical to preventing avoidable loss of lives, property, and livelihoods. He advised residents in flood-prone communities to relocate people, livestock, and valuables to safer, higher ground where necessary and activate community-based early-warning and response systems. This warning comes as NiHSA's assessment identified 2,471 communities in Cross River State alone within the identified flood-exposure areas.
The scale of potential exposure is particularly significant in Cross River State, where NiHSA's assessment also identified 703 schools, 344 health facilities, 145 markets, and 453 religious centers, as well as 854 hectares of farmland, within the identified flood-exposure areas. Other states highlighted in the assessment include Imo, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, and Akwa Ibom, alongside nine other states covered in NiHSA's detailed state assessments.
Mohammed urged residents to monitor NiHSA's flood and river-level advisories, avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges, and fast-moving water, and prepare safe locations for possible temporary evacuation. Authorities and communities were further advised to pre-position relief materials, safe drinking water, water-treatment supplies, and first-aid materials, while clearing blocked drainage channels and river outlets where it is safe to do so.
NiHSA also warned against construction and habitation in vulnerable floodplain areas. The agency said it would continue monitoring hydrological conditions and river levels across the affected areas and issue further updates as necessary. This warning comes as the agency urges stakeholders and members of the public to rely on official flood advisories and act before rising water levels develop into emergencies.
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency's alert is a timely warning for residents in flood-prone areas to take necessary precautions. By taking early action, the risk of loss of lives, property, and livelihoods can be significantly reduced. NiHSA's efforts to provide accurate and timely flood advisories are crucial in mitigating the impact of flooding in Nigeria.
The latest warning from NiHSA serves as a reminder of the importance of flood preparedness and mitigation measures. Residents in affected areas are urged to remain vigilant and take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of their communities. By working together, the impact of flooding can be minimized, and lives can be saved.
Key points
- 2,471 communities in Cross River State are at risk of flooding.
- NiHSA has identified nine river stations requiring close monitoring.
- Residents are urged to take precautionary measures, including relocating to safer areas and monitoring flood advisories.
