More than 8,000 communities and 4,500 schools across 15 Nigerian states are at risk of flooding between September 19 and 25, as rising river levels threaten populated areas, critical infrastructure, farms and public facilities, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has warned.
The latest National Flood Advisory issued by NiHSA identified Imo, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Enugu, Bayelsa, Kogi, Abia, Taraba, Rivers and Lagos as areas facing high riverine flood risks over the seven-day period.
The agency said rising river stages could trigger flooding in vulnerable communities, particularly those located on floodplains.
NiHSA Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Arch Umar Mohammed, urged state governments to urgently prepare for possible flooding and relocate residents in high-risk areas to safer locations where necessary.
“High riverine flood risk is forecast for the next seven days across Imo, Cross River and 13 other states. Rising river stages are expected to cause flooding,” Mohammed said.
He advised communities on floodplains to prepare to move to higher ground, highlighting monitoring stations including Obubra, Itigidi and Epento along the Cross River.
Thousands of facilities exposed
The advisory indicates that the potential impact extends well beyond residential communities, with schools, healthcare facilities, markets, religious buildings and agricultural land among the assets exposed to flooding.
In Imo State, NiHSA identified Aboh-Mbaise, Ahiazu-Mbaise, Ehime Mbano, Ezinihitte, Ideato North, Ihitte/Uboma and Ikeduru local government areas as vulnerable.
The agency estimates that 958 communities, 1,022 schools, 553 healthcare facilities, 161 markets and 198 religious buildings are exposed in the state.
In Cross River, the affected areas include Abi, Akamkpa, Akpabuyo, Biase, Calabar, Calabar South, Ikom and Obubra.
NiHSA identified 2,471 communities, 703 schools, 344 healthcare facilities, 145 markets, 453 religious buildings and 854 hectares of farmland as exposed to the flood risk.
Ebonyi among worst-affected areas
In Ebonyi State, Abakaliki, Afikpo, Afikpo South, Ebonyi, Ezza North and Ezza South local government areas were identified as vulnerable.
The agency listed 2,574 communities, 1,064 schools, 422 healthcare facilities, 480 markets, 629 religious buildings and 1,882 hectares of farmland as exposed.
In Benue, the affected local government areas include Buruku, Gboko, Guma, Katsina-Ala, Logo and Ukum.
NiHSA estimated that 303 communities, 100 schools, 48 healthcare facilities, 32 markets, 151 religious buildings and 55 hectares of farmland are exposed.
Anambra faces extensive exposure
NiHSA also identified Aguata, Anambra East, Anambra West, Anaocha, Awka North, Awka South and Ayamelum as vulnerable local government areas in Anambra State.
The advisory listed 1,314 communities, 1,308 schools, 1,089 healthcare facilities, 280 markets, 610 religious buildings and 1,529 hectares of farmland as exposed.
The scale of the exposure places pressure on state emergency-management agencies to protect critical public infrastructure and minimise disruption to communities and economic activity.
Akwa Ibom also on alert
In Akwa Ibom, the affected areas include Abak, Eket, Etinan, Ibeno, Ibesikpo Asutan, Ibiono Ibom, Ika and Ikono.
NiHSA identified 249 communities, 323 schools, 211 healthcare facilities, 74 markets and 289 religious buildings as exposed.
The agency urged residents in flood-prone areas, particularly those living on floodplains and near rising waterways, to remain alert and take precautionary measures.
States urged to act before flooding peaks
NiHSA advised state governments to strengthen preparedness and ensure that vulnerable residents can move to safer areas before flooding occurs.
The agency also urged communities to monitor official flood warnings and avoid remaining in locations where rising river levels pose an immediate threat.
With the current advisory covering 15 states and thousands of communities and public facilities, the agency’s warning places the emphasis on early evacuation, protection of critical infrastructure and rapid emergency response during the September 19–25 risk window.