The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency has forecasted severe riverine flooding across 27 states, including Kaduna and Niger, over the coming week. The agency’s Director-General, Umar Mohammed, cautioned that rising water levels pose an immediate threat to communities near riverbanks, suggesting that residents should ready themselves for potential relocation to safer grounds.
A total of 186 communities are potentially in the path of the floodwaters, along with critical infrastructure including 96 schools, 35 health facilities, and 14 markets. Specific monitoring stations at risk include those at Katsina Ala, Onitsha, and Itoikin. NiHSA emphasized that floodwaters may overflow into vulnerable zones, particularly along the Niger and other major rivers.
State authorities and emergency response teams have been instructed to trigger early warning protocols. The agency advised citizens to refrain from navigating flooded roads or bridges. Additionally, NiHSA recommended the clearing of drainage systems, the relocation of livestock and valuable assets, and the immediate preparation of emergency shelters to mitigate potential displacement.
