631 Nigerian communities face flood threat in September —Agency

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has issued an alert warning that 107 local government areas (LGAs) across 29 states and the Federal Capital Territory could experience flooding between September 1 and 15.

The agency said the advisory, released in Abuja, was informed by projections in the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) and backed by real-time hydrometric readings, river-stage forecasts and satellite mapping.

According to Umar Mohammed, director-general of NiHSA, more than 631 communities and over 50 key transport and infrastructure points are at risk, with levels ranging from moderate to very high.

He noted that the threats include river overbanking, flash floods and localised inundation, particularly in riverine and low-lying areas.

The states under watch include Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara.

Mohammed warned that the floods could disrupt highways and bridges, threaten agriculture and public infrastructure, and heighten risks of water contamination and disease outbreaks.

He called on federal and state emergency management agencies to activate contingency plans, deploy response teams and pre-position relief materials ahead of the forecast period.

Local governments and community leaders were also advised to intensify sensitisation campaigns, map out evacuation routes and prepare shelters for vulnerable residents.

“Communities and individuals should avoid flooded roads, move to higher ground where necessary, and follow official safety instructions,” the DG said, stressing that the alert was to safeguard lives and property.