The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued a flood alert, warning that 17 states face a medium risk of flooding between July 21 and July 27, 2026, and has urged residents and authorities in vulnerable areas to take immediate precautionary measures.
According to National Flood Advisory (Alert No. NFA-2026-200), the affected states include Bauchi, Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau, Benue, and 11 others.
NIHSA Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Umar Mohammed, said the forecast indicates possible localized flooding along major river channels and floodplains, following rising water levels recorded at several monitoring stations.
The agency said its hydrological monitoring network detected water levels above the watch and warning thresholds at Saminara on the Karam River, Waya Dam Site on the Waya River, and Amber on the Amber River. A total of 16 gauging stations have reported elevated water levels, increasing the likelihood of flooding in nearby communities.
Areas Most at Risk
* Bauchi State: 1,841 communities, 145 schools, 101 health facilities, and eight markets are at risk.
* Imo State: 415 communities identified as vulnerable.
* Plateau State: 205 communities at risk.
* Kaduna State: 168 communities affected.
* Edo State: 148 communities, 131 schools, 123 health facilities, four markets, seven religious centres, and seven hectares of farmland are vulnerable.
* Benue State: Five communities have been identified as at risk.
NIHSA’s Advice
Mohammed urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), local government councils, and community leaders to begin the immediate evacuation of residents living in flood-prone areas.
He also called on emergency response agencies to pre-position food supplies, medical materials, clean water, and other relief items in safe locations to ensure a rapid response if flooding occurs.
The agency emphasized that early preparedness and swift action are essential to minimizing the impact of potential flooding and protecting lives and property.
