**Hydrological Agency Warns 14 Nigerian States of Imminent Flood Risk**

**ABUJA** — The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued an urgent flood advisory, warning that 14 states across the country face a moderate risk of localized flooding.

According to the agency’s latest hydrological forecast, the high-risk window spans from July 14 to July 20, driven by rising water levels along major river channels. The agency has already identified 16 key monitoring stations as critical, high-risk locations.

Affected Areas and High-Risk States

The advisory identifies several regions spanning the northern, central, and southern parts of the country. The 14 states projected to be within the flood path include:

North & Middle Belt: Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Kaduna, Niger, and Plateau.

South & East: Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Cross River, Edo, Enugu, Imo, and Lagos.

NIHSA Director-General Umar Mohammed explained that the localized flooding could severely impact residential areas, schools, health facilities, and markets if precautionary measures are not taken immediately.

Critical Locations and Safety Directives

The agency highlighted specific areas along the projected flood path that require immediate monitoring, including Saminaka on the Karam River, the Waya Dam site on the Waya River, and Amber on the Amber River.

To minimize the impact of the rising waters, the agency has issued several safety recommendations for residents and emergency responders:

“Residents in flood-prone communities are advised to relocate to safer grounds, clear drainage channels, and strictly avoid trying to cross flooded roads,” Mohammed warned.

State governments and emergency management agencies have also been urged to strengthen their early warning systems, activate evacuation protocols, and pre-position vital relief materials to ensure a rapid response in the event of severe flooding.