The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has issued a high flood-risk alert across 15 states, warning of rising river levels and possible riverine flooding between September 19 and 25. The agency's NFA-2026-262 alert identified nine river stations requiring close monitoring. NiHSA urged state and local councils, emergency management authorities, and residents of vulnerable communities to take precautionary measures before flooding occurs.
According to NiHSA, the identified river stations include Obubra, Itigidi, and Epento in Cross River State. The agency's 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.
The scale of potential exposure is particularly significant in Cross River State, where NiHSA's assessment identified 2,471 communities, 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.
NiHSA's alert also advised residents to monitor the agency'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.
The agency warned against construction and habitation in vulnerable floodplain areas. NiHSA said it would continue monitoring hydrological conditions and river levels across the affected areas and issue further updates as necessary. The latest 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.
Umar Ibrahim Mohammed stressed the importance of early action in preventing flood-related disasters. He encouraged residents in flood-prone areas to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their property. The NiHSA boss also urged state and local governments to work together to mitigate the impact of flooding in their areas.
The 15 states highlighted in NiHSA's flood-risk alert are Cross River, Imo, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, and nine other states. The agency's detailed state assessments provide critical information on flood-exposure areas, which can inform emergency response and mitigation efforts. By working together, stakeholders can reduce the risk of flood-related disasters and protect vulnerable communities.
Key points
- NiHSA warns of rising river levels and possible riverine flooding in 15 Nigerian states
- The agency identifies nine river stations requiring close monitoring, including Obubra, Itigidi, and Epento in Cross River State
- NiHSA urges residents in flood-prone communities to relocate people, livestock, and valuables to safer, higher ground where necessary
