The Federal Government has issued a seven-day forecast warning of high riverine flood risk across 33 states, with water levels expected to rise between 19 and 25 August 2026. The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) reported that rising river levels are anticipated to trigger flooding in multiple locations during this period.
States at High Risk
According to NIHSA, the states at high risk include Kaduna, Niger, Taraba, Ondo, Oyo, Rivers, Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, and Cross River. Other states on the list are Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Lagos, Ogun, Osun, and Plateau.
Urgent Call for Evacuation and Preparedness
NIHSA has urged communities living on floodplains to move immediately to higher ground to avoid potential loss of life and property. The agency also called on state and local governments to activate early-warning systems and emergency response plans to mitigate the impact of the anticipated flooding.
Impact and Next Steps
The warning covers a broad swath of the country, affecting both northern and southern states. The agency emphasized that proactive measures are critical to reducing the risk of casualties and damage. Authorities are expected to coordinate with local emergency services to ensure readiness for possible flood events during the forecast period.
