Agency issues high flood risk alert for Lagos, Rivers, Imo, Kogi, 11 others

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The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency has issued a high flood risk alert for 15 states from September 19 to 25.

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The alert, designated NFA-2026-262, is based on forecasts of rising river levels and increased risk of riverine flooding across the affected areas.

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The affected states are “Imo, Cross River, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Rivers, Edo, Kogi, Taraba, Delta, Bayelsa, Enugu and Abia.”

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The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NiHSA, Umar Mohammed, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, saying “nine river stations were at risk and required close monitoring.”

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He listed Obubra, Itigidi and Epento on the Cross River among the key locations identified in the assessment.

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Mohammed urged state governments, local government councils, emergency management authorities, traditional and community leaders to take immediate precautionary measures.

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He also advised residents in flood-prone communities to move people, livestock and valuables to safer and higher ground where necessary.

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According to the assessment, significant populations and critical infrastructure are exposed to flood risks across the affected areas.

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In Cross River alone, 2,471 communities, 703 schools, 344 health facilities, 145 markets, 453 religious centres and 854 hectares of farmland were identified within the exposure areas.

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The NiHSA chief urged communities to activate local early-warning and response mechanisms and monitor the agency’s flood advisories and river-level updates.

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He advised residents to avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges and fast-moving water, whether on foot or in vehicles.

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Mohammed also urged relevant authorities and communities to pre-position relief materials, safe drinking water, water-treatment supplies and first-aid materials.

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He called for the identification and preparation of safe shelters for possible temporary evacuation.

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He further advised residents to clear blocked drainage channels and river outlets where it was safe to do so and avoid construction or habitation in vulnerable floodplain areas.

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The DG/CEO said early action and adherence to official flood warnings were critical to reducing the risk of loss of lives, property and livelihoods.

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NiHSA said it would continue to monitor hydrological conditions and river levels across the affected areas and issue further updates as necessary.

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