NiMet Predicts Flash Flood In 25 States, FCT

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has placed 25 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on high alert over the likelihood of flash floods between July 11 and July 20.

In the North, the states on alert for flash floods are Bauchi, Jigawa, Taraba, Adamawa, Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Kwara and Kogi.

NiMet warned that already saturated soils could trigger widespread flooding capable of disrupting lives, destroying infrastructure and damaging farmlands.

The agency said persistent rainfall recorded during the first 10 days of July had left the ground with little capacity to absorb additional water, significantly increasing the danger of rapid surface runoff, particularly in flood-prone communities, urban centres and poorly drained areas.

The warning, contained in NiMet’s Probable Flash Flood Risk Map for the Second Dekad (July 11–20, 2026), also extends to Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Delta, Edo, Abia, Imo, Ebonyi, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Bayelsa States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

According to the agency, the combination of ongoing heavy rainfall and saturated soils is expected to heighten the risk of flash flooding across many vulnerable areas during the period under review.

NiMet said the anticipated flooding could trigger severe traffic congestion, render major roads inaccessible and disrupt transportation services in affected areas.

It also cautioned that electricity and telecommunications services could be temporarily interrupted, while reduced visibility during heavy rainfall may pose additional risks to motorists and aviation operations.

The agency further said that extensive waterlogging could damage farmlands and crops, threatening agricultural activities at the peak of the rainy season.

Critical infrastructure, including roads, bridges, drainage systems and other public utilities, may also suffer significant damage if the predicted flooding materialises, the agency said.

NiMet added that stagnant floodwaters could increase the incidence of waterborne diseases due to poor sanitation conditions in affected communities.

To reduce the impact of the expected floods, the agency urged residents to regularly monitor weather forecasts and flood advisories and to take precautionary measures ahead of heavy rainfall.

It advised State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) to strengthen preparedness and emergency response in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant stakeholders.

The agency also called for intensified public enlightenment campaigns on flood preparedness and urged residents to keep drainage channels and waterways free of refuse to ensure the free flow of stormwater.

The latest advisory comes as concerns continue to mount over the increasing frequency of flooding across Nigeria, with experts warning that climate-induced extreme rainfall and poor drainage infrastructure are worsening the country’s flood vulnerability.