NIHSA raises flood alarm in 17 states, orders immediate evacuation
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has placed 17 states on medium flood alert, warning of possible localised flooding between July 21 and July 27 and urging residents in vulnerable communities to relocate immediately.
In a National Flood Advisory (Alert No. NFA-2026-200) issued yesterday, the agency said rising water levels at critical river monitoring stations had exceeded warning thresholds, increasing the likelihood of flooding along major river channels and floodplains.
Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NIHSA, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, said the agency’s hydrological monitoring network showed that river stages at Saminara on the Karam River, Waya Dam Site on the Waya River and Amber on the Amber River had surpassed watch and warning levels, while 16 gauging stations nationwide were recording elevated water levels.
He warned that communities along the affected river channels face imminent localised flooding and called on the state governments, emergency agencies and residents to act swiftly to prevent loss of lives and property.
“Our hydrological monitoring network indicates that river stages at critical monitoring stations have exceeded watch and warning thresholds. With 16 gauging stations showing elevated stages, communities along the primary channels face imminent localised flooding. We strongly advise state governments, local authorities and residents on floodplains to act immediately,” he said.
The agency listed Bauchi, Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau and Benue among the affected states, alongside 11 others.
According to the advisory, Bauchi has the highest projected exposure with 1,841 communities at risk, including 145 schools, 101 health facilities and eight markets.
In Edo, 148 communities, 131 schools, 123 health facilities, four markets, seven religious centres and seven hectares of farmland could be affected.
Imo has 415 vulnerable communities, 423 schools, 198 health facilities, 49 markets, 111 religious centres and 75 hectares of farmland at risk, while Plateau has 205 communities, 137 schools, 44 health facilities, 16 markets, 81 religious centres and 64 hectares of farmland under threat.
Kaduna has 168 communities identified as vulnerable, while Benue has five communities, eight schools and two health facilities exposed to possible flooding.
NIHSA directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), local government authorities and community leaders to begin immediate evacuation of residents, livestock and valuables from flood-prone areas to designated safe shelters.
The agency also urged emergency responders to pre-position relief materials, including food, potable water, medical supplies and first-aid equipment, while communities were advised to activate local early-warning systems and maintain constant communication.
