The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, on Thursday, warned of a potential flooding in 198 local government areas across 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The alert, obtained by our correspondent, covers the period from August 7 to August 21, 2025, a span of 15 days, during which vulnerable communities are advised to take precautionary measures.
The alert categorised flood risk levels as very high, high, and moderate, depending on local topography and projected rainfall intensity.
The affected states are Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, and Lagos.
Others include Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara, and the Federal Capital Territory.
According to NiHSA, very high-risk states are Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Delta, Gombe, Kebbi, Kogi, Lagos, Niger, Ogun, Rivers, Yobe, and Zamfara.
States categorised as facing high to moderate risk include Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Cross River, Ebonyi, Edo, FCT, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kwara, Nasarawa, Ondo, Plateau, Sokoto, and Taraba.
The agency also noted that 832 communities are at risk of varying degrees of flooding.
The alert also warned of the potential disruption of over 100 major transportation routes, particularly in flood-prone areas.
“High likelihood of displacement, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
“NiHSA urges residents in affected regions to remain vigilant, adhere to early warning directives, and cooperate with emergency response agencies,” it stated.
To mitigate the potential impacts of flooding, NiHSA recommended that all emergency management stakeholders prepare for response protocols to ensure timely intervention.
It added: “Communities at risk should put evacuation plans in place.
“Follow up on NiHSA’s state-level weekly forecast for community-specific forecasts, and monitor updates from NiHSA.”
The Director General of NiHSA, Umar Mohammed, said: “This alert is issued in line with our commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
“We call on state governments, local authorities, and the public to take proactive measures to mitigate risk and ensure community safety.”
He emphasised that the agency would continue to monitor the hydrological situation and provide timely updates as necessary.
On Tuesday, the National Emergency Management Agency revealed that, in 2025, no fewer than 191 lives had been lost to floods ravaging parts of the country, while 94 people remain missing.
The NEMA report showed that Niger State recorded the highest number of fatalities with 163 deaths, followed by Adamawa State, where 26 people lost their lives.
One death each was reported in Borno and Gombe states.
The data further indicated that, so far this year, floods have affected 134,435 people across 20 states and 47 local government areas.
(punch)
