NIHSA warns 17 States of high flood risk between July 21 and 27

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued a warning of impending floods in 17 states from July 21, 2026, to July 27, 2026.

This warning is in line with the National Flood Advisory (Alert No. NFA-2026-200) issued by the agency forecasting medium flood risk in these states.

In the words of the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Arc. Umar Mohammed, the states likely to have floods include Bauchi, Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau, and Benue as well as 11 other states.

It must be noted that the forecast implies the possibility of localized flooding in river channels and flood plains in these states.

“Our hydrological monitoring network indicates that river stages at critical monitoring stations, including Saminara on the Karam River, Waya Dam Site on the Waya River, and Amber on the Amber River, have exceeded watch and warning thresholds.

“With 16 gauging stations showing elevated stages, communities along the primary river channels face imminent localized flooding. We strongly advise state governments, local authorities and residents living on floodplains to act immediately,” Mohammed said.

According to the advisory, 16 critical gauging stations across the country’s hydrometric network are currently being closely monitored.

NIHSA also highlighted the potential impact of the expected flooding in some of the affected states.

In Bauchi State, about 1,841 communities, 145 schools, 101 health facilities and eight markets are considered vulnerable.

In Edo State, the agency identified 148 communities, 131 schools, 123 health facilities, four markets, seven religious centres and about seven hectares of farmland as being at risk.

The agency urged state governments, emergency management agencies and residents in vulnerable communities to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures to minimise the impact of the anticipated flooding.