The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency has warned that 14 states across the country face a medium risk of flooding between July 14 and July 20, urging residents and relevant authorities to intensify preparedness measures.
The agency’s Director-General, Umar Mohammed, disclosed this on Wednesday while presenting the latest hydrological forecast, which also identified 16 monitoring stations as high-risk flood locations due to the likelihood of localised flooding along major river channels.
According to the agency, the states at risk are Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Kaduna, Lagos, Niger and Plateau.
Mohammed noted that flooding could affect several communities, including schools, healthcare facilities, markets and other critical infrastructure if preventive actions are not taken.
He explained that the agency’s Annual Flood Outlook provides seasonal flood predictions and analyses to help governments and emergency responders prepare for possible flood incidents during the rainy season.
“The Annual Flood Outlook provides flood predictions and analyses of possible flood scenarios across the country during the rainy season. It is designed to support disaster preparedness, response planning and risk reduction by governments and relevant agencies,” Mohammed said.
The NIHSA boss identified Saminaka on the Karam River, the Waya Dam site on the Waya River and Amber on the Amber River as some of the critical locations expected to be impacted if water levels rise.
He called on state governments, emergency management agencies and local communities to strengthen early warning systems, improve evacuation plans and sustain public awareness campaigns to reduce the impact of flooding.
“Residents in flood-prone communities should relocate to safer areas where necessary, clear drainage channels, avoid attempting to cross flooded roads and keep track of NIHSA’s flood forecasts,” he advised.
Mohammed also urged emergency management agencies to pre-position relief materials and activate community-based early warning systems to ensure a prompt response in the event of flooding.
