The Federal Government has issued a seven-day flood warning for 15 states, advising residents in vulnerable communities to move to safer and higher locations.
The warning was issued by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency in its National Flood Advisory covering September 19 to 25, 2026.
The agency’s Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Arch Umar Mohammed, said rising river levels could result in flooding across several communities during the period.
He said the expected flooding could affect residential areas as well as schools, healthcare facilities, markets, farms and religious centres.
“High riverine flood risk is forecast for the next seven days across Imo, Cross River and 13 other states. Rising river stages are expected to cause flooding,” Mohammed said.
He advised communities located on floodplains to prepare for possible relocation, noting that stations including Obubra, Itigidi and Epento in Cross River State were among those being monitored.
In Imo State, the agency identified Aboh-Mbaise, Ahiazu-Mbaise, Ehime Mbano, Ezinihitte, Ideato North, Ihitte/Uboma and Ikeduru Local Government Areas as areas at risk.
According to NiHSA, 958 communities, 1,022 schools, 553 healthcare facilities, 161 markets and 198 religious buildings could be affected in the state.
Cross River State was also listed among the high-risk areas, with Abi, Akamkpa, Akpabuyo, Biase, Calabar, Calabar South, Ikom and Obubra LGAs identified.
The agency said 2,471 communities, 703 schools, 344 healthcare facilities, 145 markets, 453 religious buildings and 854 hectares of farmland were exposed in the state.
In Ebonyi State, Abakaliki, Afikpo, Afikpo South, Ebonyi, Ezza North and Ezza South were identified as vulnerable LGAs.
NiHSA estimated that 2,574 communities, 1,064 schools, 422 healthcare facilities, 480 markets, 629 religious buildings and 1,882 hectares of farmland could be exposed to flooding.
The agency also listed six LGAs in Benue State — Buruku, Gboko, Guma, Katsina-Ala, Logo and Ukum — among the areas at risk.
It said 303 communities, 100 schools, 48 healthcare facilities, 32 markets, 151 religious buildings and 55 hectares of farmland were exposed.
In Anambra State, Aguata, Anambra East, Anambra West, Anaocha, Awka North, Awka South and Ayamelum were identified as vulnerable.
NiHSA said 1,314 communities, 1,308 schools, 1,089 healthcare facilities, 280 markets, 610 religious buildings and 1,529 hectares of farmland were at risk.
Eight LGAs in Akwa Ibom State — Abak, Eket, Etinan, Ibeno, Ibesikpo Asutan, Ibiono Ibom, Ika and Ikono — were also included in the advisory.
The agency identified 249 communities, 323 schools, 211 healthcare facilities, 74 markets and 289 religious buildings as exposed in the state.
Other states listed in the flood advisory are Edo, Bayelsa, Enugu, Kogi, Delta, Abia, Taraba, Rivers and Lagos.
NiHSA urged residents of flood-prone areas to remain alert and take precautionary measures, particularly those living or carrying out activities on floodplains.
The agency advised residents in vulnerable locations to relocate to higher ground where necessary to reduce the risk of loss of lives and property.
