Federal Government Issues Seven-Day Flood Alert for 17 States as River Levels Rise

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency has issued a seven-day national flood advisory, warning of moderate flood risks across 17 states between July 21 and July 27 due to rising water levels at major monitoring stations.

NIHSA Director-General Umar Mohammed released the alert in Abuja, identifying Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara as the states at risk. According to the agency, river gauging stations at Saminaka on the Karam River, the Waya Dam site on the Waya River, and Amber on the Amber River have already exceeded watch and warning thresholds, with 16 stations nationwide recording elevated water levels.

Bauchi State faces the highest exposure, with 1,841 communities, 145 schools, 101 health facilities, and eight markets located in vulnerable zones. Significant public infrastructure and residential areas in Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau, and Benue states have also been highlighted as susceptible to localized flooding.

The agency urged the National Emergency Management Agency, State Emergency Management Agencies, and local government authorities to immediately activate emergency response protocols. Recommendations include relocating residents and livestock from floodplains, pre-positioning relief supplies, and clearing blocked drainage channels. Residents in affected areas have been cautioned against traversing flooded roads, bridges, and fast-flowing waterways.