The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has cautioned that 17 states are at risk of flooding from July 21 to July 27, 2026. This announcement, labeled as National Flood Advisory NFA-2026-200, identifies a medium flood risk for affected regions.
Arc Umar Mohammed, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NiHSA, stated that the identified states include Bauchi, Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau, and Benue, along with 11 others. The agency’s monitoring network reports that water levels at key locations, such as the Karam, Waya, and Amber rivers, have surpassed safety thresholds. Sixteen gauging stations are currently reporting elevated water levels, signaling potential danger for nearby communities.
The impact projections are significant. For example, Bauchi could see 1,841 communities affected, while Imo faces potential impacts across 415 communities, hundreds of schools, and healthcare facilities. Other states like Edo, Kaduna, Plateau, and Benue also face threats to infrastructure and farmland.
To mitigate these risks, NiHSA urges state and local authorities to prioritize immediate evacuations for residents and livestock in high-risk areas. Emergency agencies such as NEMA and SEMA are encouraged to preposition supplies, while the public is warned against traveling through flooded roads or fast-moving water. Regular maintenance of drainage systems is also essential to manage the expected water flow.
