By Stella Odueme
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has issued a high flood risk alert for 15 states, warning of possible riverine flooding between September 19 and 25, 2026.
The warning, contained in NiHSA’s Flood Alert designated NFA-2026-262, followed forecasts of rising river levels and increasing flood risks across the affected areas.
Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NiHSA, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, urged state governments, local government councils, emergency management authorities, traditional institutions, community leaders and residents in vulnerable areas to take immediate precautionary measures.
The agency identified nine river stations at risk, including Obubra, Itigidi and Epento along the Cross River, which require close monitoring during the period.
NiHSA said significant populations, farmland and critical infrastructure are exposed to potential flooding in the affected locations.
In Cross River State alone, the assessment identified 2,471 communities, 703 schools, 344 health facilities, 145 markets, 453 religious centres and 854 hectares of farmland within the identified exposure areas.
Other states listed in the assessment include Imo, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra and Akwa Ibom, as well as nine other states covered in the agency’s detailed state-level reports.
Mohammed advised residents of flood-prone communities to move people, livestock and valuables from vulnerable floodplains to identified higher ground where necessary.
He also urged communities to activate local early-warning and emergency response mechanisms, regularly monitor NiHSA’s flood advisories and river-level updates, and avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges and fast-moving water.
The NiHSA chief further advised authorities and communities to pre-position relief materials, safe drinking water, water-treatment supplies and first-aid materials, while identifying suitable shelters for possible temporary evacuation.
He called for the clearing of blocked drainage channels and river outlets where it could be done safely, and cautioned residents against construction and habitation in vulnerable floodplain areas.
The DG/CEO stressed that early action and strict adherence to official flood warnings remained essential to reducing the potential loss of lives, property and livelihoods.
NiHSA said it would continue monitoring hydrological conditions and river levels across the affected areas and issue further updates as necessary.
The agency therefore urged all stakeholders and members of the public to remain vigilant and rely on official NiHSA advisories for timely and accurate flood information.