The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has issued a high flood risk alert for 15 states, effective from September 19 to 25, 2026. This warning follows forecasts of rising river levels and increased risk of riverine flooding. According to NiHSA, nine river stations are at risk, including Obubra, Itigidi, and Epento on the Cross River. These locations require close monitoring to mitigate potential flooding impacts.
The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NiHSA, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, urged state governments, local government councils, emergency management authorities, traditional and community leaders, and residents in vulnerable locations to take immediate precautionary measures. These measures aim to safeguard lives, property, and livelihoods. Mohammed emphasized that significant populations and critical infrastructure are exposed across the affected areas, necessitating proactive action.
In Cross River State alone, the assessment identifies 2,471 communities, 703 schools, 344 health facilities, 145 markets, 453 religious centers, and 854 hectares of farmland within the identified exposure areas. 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 widespread impact underscores the need for urgent attention and preparedness.
Mohammed called on residents in flood-prone communities to take the warning seriously and act before flooding occurs. He advised communities and relevant authorities to move people, livestock, and valuables from vulnerable floodplains to pre-identified higher ground where necessary. Activating community-based early-warning and response mechanisms is also crucial. Furthermore, monitoring NiHSA flood advisories and river-level updates regularly can help minimize risks.
Additional precautionary measures suggested by Mohammed include avoiding crossing flooded roads, bridges, or fast-moving water, whether on foot or by vehicle. Pre-positioning relief materials, safe drinking water, water-treatment supplies, and first-aid materials is also essential. Identifying and preparing safe shelters for possible temporary evacuation and clearing blocked drainage channels and river outlets where safe to do so can mitigate flooding impacts.
The Director General of NiHSA stressed that early action and adherence to official flood warnings are critical to reducing the risk of loss of lives, property, and livelihoods. He assured that NiHSA would continue to monitor hydrological conditions and river levels across the affected areas and issue further updates as necessary. The Agency calls on all stakeholders and members of the public to remain vigilant and rely on official NiHSA advisories for timely flood information.
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency's proactive approach aims to minimize the impact of flooding on communities. By heeding the warnings and taking necessary precautions, residents and authorities can reduce the risks associated with flooding. Continuous monitoring and timely updates from NiHSA will be crucial in the coming days as the agency tracks the flood situation across the affected states.
Key points
- NiHSA issues high flood risk alert for 15 Nigerian states from September 19 to 25, 2026.
- Affected states include Cross River, Imo, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, and Akwa Ibom, among others.
- NiHSA urges residents and authorities to take proactive measures to safeguard lives, property, and livelihoods.
