The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has issued a high flood risk alert to 15 states, warning of possible riverine flooding between September 19 and 25, 2026.
The alert, designated NFA-2026-262, is based on forecasts of rising river levels and increased flooding risks across the affected areas.
The states listed in the warning are Imo, Cross River, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Rivers, Edo, Kogi, Taraba, Delta, Bayelsa, Enugu and Abia.
Nine river monitoring stations were identified as requiring close attention, including Obubra, Itigidi and Epento along the Cross River.
The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NiHSA, Umar Mohammed, urged state governments, local government authorities, emergency agencies, traditional rulers and community leaders to take immediate precautionary measures.
In Cross River State alone, the agency identified 2,471 communities, 703 schools, 344 healthcare facilities, 145 markets, 453 religious centres and 854 hectares of farmland as being within areas exposed to flood risk.
Residents in flood-prone communities were advised to move people, livestock and valuable belongings to safer and higher ground where necessary.
NiHSA also urged communities to activate local early-warning and emergency response systems and regularly monitor official flood advisories and river-level updates.
Residents were warned against attempting to cross flooded roads, bridges or fast-moving water, either on foot or in vehicles.
Authorities and communities were further advised to prepare relief materials, safe drinking water, water-treatment supplies and first-aid materials, while identifying safe shelters for possible evacuation.
The agency also called for the clearing of blocked drainage channels and river outlets where it can be done safely, and advised against construction or habitation in vulnerable floodplain areas.
NiHSA said early action and compliance with official flood warnings would help reduce the risk of loss of lives, property and livelihoods.
The agency added that it would continue monitoring river levels and hydrological conditions across the affected states and issue further updates where necessary.
About the Author
