Flood Alert 2026: NiHSA Warns 27 States Face High Risk, Threatens 53 River Stations
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has issued an urgent warning over a rapidly rising flood threat across the country. Governments, emergency management agencies, and residents in vulnerable communities are advised to take immediate precautionary measures to protect lives and property.
According to NiHSA Director-General Umar Mohammed, the latest hydrological forecast indicates a high flood risk across 27 Nigerian states. This high-risk window spans from July 30 to August 5, 2026, driven by rapidly rising river levels that could trigger severe riverine flooding in flood-prone communities.
Critical Rivers and States Under Close Watch
NiHSA revealed that 53 key river monitoring stations nationwide are currently under threat. The agency is closely monitoring critical locations, including:
- Benue State: Katsina Ala River
- Lagos State: Aye River at Itoikin
- Anambra State: River Niger at Onitsha
The states expected to experience the most significant impacts include Niger, Kaduna, Kwara, Delta, Kogi, and Edo, alongside 21 other affected states.
NiHSA warns that if urgent preventive actions are not taken, the incoming floods could severely disrupt communities, farmlands, schools, healthcare facilities, markets, and places of worship.
Emergency Agencies Directed to Activate Response Plans
In response to the data, the NiHSA Director-General called on state governments, local government authorities, traditional rulers, and community leaders to act swiftly.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) have been urged to immediately activate their emergency preparedness and response plans.
Essential Safety Guidelines for Residents
To mitigate the impact of the impending disaster, NiHSA advises residents in vulnerable and flood-prone communities to take the following steps:
- Relocate Early: Move to safer, higher ground if your community is vulnerable to river overflows.
- Clear Drainages: Clean up local drainage channels and gutters immediately to ensure free water flow.
- Avoid Fast-Flowing Water: Do not attempt to walk, swim, or drive through flooded roads or fast-flowing rivers.
- Monitor Advisories: Stay updated by following official NiHSA flood forecasts and community early warning channels.
NiHSA stressed that collective preparedness, early warning systems, and timely local action are Nigeria’s most effective defense against devastating flood disasters. The agency will continue monitoring river conditions nationwide to provide real-time updates.
