High Flood to Hit Lagos, Delta, Imo, 12 Other States in Seven Days — NiHSA

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency has issued a high flood risk alert for 15 states, warning that rising river levels could cause flooding between September 19 and 25, 2026.

The affected states are Imo, Cross River, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Rivers, Edo, Kogi, Taraba, Delta, Bayelsa, Enugu and Abia.

NiHSA Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Umar Mohammed, disclosed this in a National Flood Advisory, identifying nine river stations requiring close monitoring.

The agency identified Obubra, Itigidi and Epento on the Cross River as locations of concern.

Mohammed urged state governments, local government councils, emergency management authorities, traditional rulers to take immediate precautionary measures ahead of the forecast.

He advised residents in flood-prone communities to move people, livestock and valuables to safer and higher ground where necessary.

The advisory warned that communities and critical infrastructure, including schools, healthcare facilities, markets and farmlands, are exposed to flooding across the affected states.

In Cross River alone, NiHSA identified 2,471 communities, 703 schools, 344 healthcare facilities, 145 markets, 453 religious centres and 854 hectares of farmland.

In Imo, the agency listed 958 communities, 1,022 schools, 553 healthcare facilities, 161 markets and 198 religious buildings as exposed.

Ebonyi faces exposure, with 2,574 communities, 1,064 schools, 422 healthcare facilities, 480 markets, 629 religious buildings and 1,882 hectares of farmland identified as vulnerable.

In Anambra, 1,314 communities, 1,308 schools, 1,089 healthcare facilities, 280 markets, 610 religious buildings and 1,529 hectares of farmland are exposed.

The agency urged communities to activate local early-warning mechanisms and monitor official flood advisories.

Residents were advised to avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges and fast-moving water.

Mohammed also called on authorities and communities to pre-position relief materials, safe drinking water and first-aid materials. He urged officials to prepare safe shelters for temporary evacuation.

Residents were further advised to clear blocked drainage channels and river outlets and avoid construction in vulnerable floodplain areas.

NiHSA said early action and compliance with flood warnings would help reduce the risk of deaths, property destruction and livelihood losses.

The agency said it would continue monitoring hydrological conditions during the seven-day forecast period and river levels across affected areas and issue further updates as necessary.