The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued a fresh flood alert for 198 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across 32 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The agency warned of high to very high flood risks between August 7 and August 21, citing rising river levels and persistent rainfall nationwide.
The alert, referenced No: 32-25-003-06, was issued on Thursday by NIHSA Director-General, Mr. Umar Ibrahim. It cautioned that over 100 communities and major transportation routes could face severe disruptions during the forecast period.
The affected states include Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, FCT, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, and Nasarawa. Others are Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara.
According to NIHSA, a total of 198 LGAs and 832 communities fall within the projected flood impact zone.
“Possible disruption of major transportation routes is anticipated,” the statement read, citing data from the agency’s colour-coded flood risk map.
The agency urged emergency management stakeholders to activate their response protocols and advised that evacuation plans be put in place for communities at risk.
NIHSA also encouraged residents and stakeholders to follow its weekly state-level and community-specific forecasts, and to stay informed via the NIHSA flood dashboard and official social media platforms.
The alert is part of NIHSA’s ongoing efforts to mitigate the growing impact of seasonal flooding, which displaces thousands and damages infrastructure annually.
For more information and real-time updates, the public is advised to visit www.nihsa.gov.ng or scan the QR code featured on the official alert.