NIHSA Raises Flood Alert for 17 States, - Urges Immediate Evacuation of At-Risk Communities

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued a flood alert, warning that 17 states are at medium risk of flooding between July 21 and July 27, 2026, following rising water levels in major rivers across the country.
The warning was contained in the agency’s National Flood Advisory (Alert No. NFA-2026-200) released on Tuesday.
Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NIHSA, Arc. Umar Mohammed, disclosed that the affected states include Bauchi, Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau, Benue, and 11 other states.
According to him, hydrological data from the agency’s monitoring network indicates that water levels at key stations—including Saminara on the Karam River, Waya Dam Site on the Waya River, and Amber on the Amber River—have exceeded warning thresholds, increasing the likelihood of localized flooding along river channels and floodplains.
He noted that 16 critical gauging stations across the country are currently recording elevated river levels, posing an immediate threat to vulnerable communities.
“Our hydrological monitoring network indicates that river stages at critical monitoring stations have exceeded watch and warning thresholds. Communities along the primary river channels face imminent localized flooding. We strongly advise state governments, local authorities and residents living on floodplains to take immediate precautionary measures,” Mohammed said.
Communities and Infrastructure at Risk
NIHSA’s assessment revealed that thousands of communities and public facilities could be affected if the flooding intensifies.
Among the states highlighted:
Bauchi State: 1,841 communities, 145 schools, 101 health facilities and eight markets are at risk.
Edo State: 148 communities, 131 schools, 123 health facilities, four markets, seven religious centres and seven hectares of farmland could be impacted.
Imo State: 415 communities, 423 schools, 198 health facilities, 49 markets, 111 religious centres and 75 hectares of farmland are exposed.
Kaduna State: 168 communities, 16 schools, three health facilities and three religious centres face possible flooding.
Plateau State: 205 communities, 137 schools, 44 health facilities, 16 markets, 81 religious centres and 64 hectares of farmland are vulnerable.
Benue State: Five communities, eight schools, two health facilities and four religious centres are listed as being at risk.
NIHSA’s Safety Advisory
The agency urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), local governments and community leaders to activate emergency response measures immediately.
Key recommendations include:
Immediate evacuation of residents, livestock and valuables from flood-prone communities.
Pre-positioning of relief materials, including food, potable water, medicines and first-aid supplies.
Activation of community-based early warning systems and emergency communication networks.
Avoidance of flooded roads, bridges and fast-flowing rivers by motorists and pedestrians.
Clearing blocked drainage channels, culverts and waterways to improve water flow.
Continuous monitoring of NIHSA’s daily flood advisories for updated information.
NIHSA stressed that early action by government agencies and residents would significantly reduce the potential loss of lives, destruction of property and disruption of livelihoods during the forecast period.