The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has put 17 states on alert for possible flooding between July 21 and 27. The agency issued the warning in its National Flood Advisory (Alert No.
NFA-2026-200), flagging medium flood risk across the affected areas.
Director-General Umar Mohammed named the at-risk states as Bauchi, Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau, Benue and 11 others. He warned that localised flooding along major river channels and floodplains could occur, calling for swift action to safeguard communities.
NIHSA's monitoring network has recorded water levels exceeding safety thresholds at multiple stations across the country. These include Saminara on the Karam River, Waya Dam Site on the Waya River and Amber on the Amber River.
"With 16 gauging stations recording elevated water levels, communities along major river channels face imminent localised flooding," Mohammed said. He urged state governments, local authorities and residents in vulnerable areas to act immediately.
The advisory reveals that Bauchi State faces the greatest threat, with 1,841 communities at risk. The state also has 145 schools, 101 health facilities and eight markets in vulnerable zones.
Edo State has 148 communities exposed to danger, alongside 131 schools, 123 health facilities, four markets, seven religious centres and seven hectares of farmland. Imo State recorded 415 at-risk communities, while Kaduna had 168 and Plateau identified 205.
Benue State has five communities in the flood zone, according to the advisory. Mohammed called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) to begin evacuating residents from flood-prone areas.
He also pushed for local government authorities and community leaders to get involved in the evacuation efforts. The director-general stressed the need for speed in moving people to safety.
Emergency agencies should pre-position food, medical supplies and clean water in safe locations before flooding strikes, Mohammed added. He also urged them to ready other relief materials for rapid deployment if communities are affected.
