Abuja (Nigeria): The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA), a reputable government agency responsible for monitoring and predicting hydrological events, has warned of possible flooding in 107 local government areas (LGAs) across 29 states and the FCT between Sept. 1 and Sept.15.
The advisory, issued on Monday in Abuja, is based on comprehensive data analysis and projections in the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO), a scientific report prepared by NiHSA.
“Our warning is not based on mere speculation. It is backed by real-time hydrometric readings, river stage forecasts, and satellite mapping, ensuring the utmost accuracy in our projections, says NiHSA.
According to the alert signed by the Director-General, Mr Umar Mohammed, more than 631 communities and over 50 critical transport and infrastructure points are at risk.
The agency stated that the risk levels ranged from moderate to very high, with threats of river overbanking, flash floods, and localised inundation in riverine and low-lying areas.
The states under watch include Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, and Ebonyi.
Others are Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara.
NiHSA said the floods could disrupt highways and bridges, threaten lives, livelihoods, agriculture and public infrastructure, and heighten risks of water contamination and disease outbreaks.
It urged federal and state emergency agencies to activate their respective contingency plans, deploy well-trained response teams, and pre-position adequate relief materials in strategic locations.
Local governments and community leaders were advised to intensify sensitisation campaigns, identify evacuation routes and prepare shelters for vulnerable residents.
“Communities and individuals should avoid flooded roads, move to higher ground where necessary, and follow official safety instructions.
“This alert is to safeguard lives and property, and we call for proactive measures across all levels,” Mohammed said.
You can rest assured that we are committed to monitoring the hydrological situation and providing timely updates through our official platforms, ensuring you are always informed and prepared.
