The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a warning that 19 states across Nigeria could experience flash flooding. In an advisory released on Wednesday, NiMet explained that heavy early rains may lead to increased surface runoff and flash flooding because the soil is dry and hardened, preventing proper water absorption.
Affected States
The states at risk include Zamfara, Nasarawa, Kwara, Oyo, Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti, Delta, Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Edo, Ondo, and Bayelsa.
Potential Impacts
NiMet warned that possible consequences include flooded roads, traffic disruptions, damage to homes, farmlands, and infrastructure, blocked drainage systems, power outages, telecommunication breakdowns, and increased risks of injuries and water-borne diseases.
Advisory to Residents
The agency advised residents to clear blocked drainage systems and stay updated with weather and flood alerts. Motorists and pedestrians were cautioned against driving or walking through flooded areas.
Call for Preparedness
NiMet urged relevant authorities and stakeholders to strengthen coordination, preparedness, and emergency response measures to mitigate flood-related risks. The advisory stated, "An informed community is a prepared community. Know the risks and act early."
Broader Flood Risk
The Federal Government had previously warned that 14,118 communities in 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are at risk of severe flooding in 2026. These states include Abia, Adamawa, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara, as well as the FCT.
Partnership with NEMA
In a related development, NiMet and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) have intensified efforts to improve disaster management in Nigeria. The two agencies plan to develop a national early warning system roadmap. This initiative was announced during a courtesy visit by the Director General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, to the Director General of NiMet, Charles Anosike, at NiMet's headquarters in Abuja. Mrs. Umar commended NiMet for the timely release of the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction and its consistent weather forecasts, noting significant improvements under Prof. Anosike's leadership.
