Flood alert: NiHSA warns 15 states of rising river levels
By Ladidi Al-Hassan
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has issued a high flood risk alert for 15 states, warning of possible riverine flooding between September 19 and 25.
The alert, designated NFA-2026-262, is based on forecasts of rising river levels and increased flood risks across the affected areas.
The states listed in the alert are Imo, Cross River, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Rivers, Edo, Kogi, Taraba, Delta, Bayelsa, Enugu and Abia.
NiHSA Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Umar Mohammed, said nine river monitoring stations had been identified for close observation due to the expected rise in water levels.
He identified Obubra, Itigidi and Epento, all along the Cross River, among the locations highlighted in the assessment.
Mohammed urged state and local governments, emergency management agencies, traditional institutions and community leaders to take precautionary measures to reduce the potential impact of flooding.
He also advised residents of flood-prone communities to relocate people, livestock and valuable property to safer and higher locations where necessary.
The agency said significant populations and critical infrastructure remained exposed to flood risks across the affected states, underscoring the need for early preparedness and a coordinated response.
