FG Warns of Fresh Flood Threat in 22 States and FCT: Is Your Community at Risk?
ABUJA, NIGERIA — As the rainy season intensifies, the Federal Government has issued an urgent warning to thousands of families across Nigeria to prepare for imminent flooding.
The Federal Ministry of Environment’s National Flood Early Warning Systems (FEWS) Centre predicts that severe flooding will impact communities across 22 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) between August 2 and August 15, 2026.
According to meteorologists, a dangerous combination of torrential rainfall, heavily saturated soils, rising river levels, and blocked drainage systems will likely trigger the deluge.
States and Major Cities at Risk of Flooding
The flood warning covers varying risk levels across southern, central, and eastern Nigeria. The states high on the watch list include: Benue, Kogi, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Edo. South West: Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo.
In the South-East and South-South: Anambra, Abia, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom are expected to be affected.
The environment ministry has also highlighted urban areas that would be worst hit. They include: Makurdi, Lokoja, Port Harcourt, Yenagoa, Warri, and Calabar.
Others are Onitsha, Aba, Owerri, Benin City, Lagos, and parts of Ibadan.
A Vital Window for Emergency Preparation
Disaster management officials emphasize that this early forecast gives vulnerable communities a critical window of opportunity to safeguard lives and property.
To minimize displacement and tragedy, emergency response agencies are advising residents to take immediate action.
5 Critical Safety Steps for Residents
- Clear Drainage Channels: Clear blocked gutters and waterways around homes to allow free water flow.
- Protect Essentials: Move valuables, emergency food supplies, clean drinking water, and important documents to higher ground.
- Stay Away from Danger Zones: Avoid floodplains, riverbanks, and active drainage channels.
- Practice Flood Navigation Safety: Never attempt to walk, swim, or drive through moving floodwaters.
- Switch Off Power: Disconnect all electrical appliances immediately if water begins to enter your compound.
State emergency management agencies (SEMAs) have been directed to intensify the monitoring of rivers, culverts, and vulnerable infrastructure. Residents are strongly urged to obey all local evacuation directives without delay.
