Leave Flood Prone Areas, NOA, NiMet Tell Residents Of Sokoto, Borno, Kaduna, Others

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) have raised a fresh nationwide flood alert, urging residents of Sokoto, Borno, Kaduna, and 24 other states to immediately evacuate flood-prone and other high-risk areas, as torrential rains threaten widespread flash floods across Nigeria.

The warning, issued under a Flash Flood Risk Advisory covering 1 July to 10 July 2026, placed 27 states on red alert, with authorities cautioning that millions of Nigerians living in low-lying and vulnerable communities could face severe flooding if the current downpour persists.

The states identified as being at risk are Taraba, Sokoto, Borno, Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Plateau, Adamawa, Kwara, Kogi, Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Osun, Ekiti, Delta, Edo, Abia, Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers and Bayelsa.

The latest advisory signals what authorities described as one of the most dangerous phases of the 2026 rainy season, with increasing rainfall expected to trigger flash floods capable of destroying homes, roads, bridges, farmlands and other critical infrastructure if residents fail to heed early warnings.

In a public advisory released on Monday, the NOA, relying on NiMet’s forecasts, directed residents in flood-prone communities to relocate to safer locations without delay, stressing that early evacuation remains the most effective way to prevent avoidable deaths and destruction.

The agency warned Nigerians against walking, driving, or riding through flooded roads, noting that fast-moving floodwaters can sweep people and vehicles away within seconds.

It also urged residents to clear blocked drainage channels around homes, schools, markets and public facilities to ensure the free flow of stormwater, while advising households to move important documents, valuables and electrical appliances to higher ground ahead of the anticipated flooding.

Parents were advised to keep children away from flooded areas and open drains, while residents whose homes become inundated were urged to disconnect electricity supplies to avoid electrocution.

The NOA further called on Nigerians to monitor weather forecasts and flood advisories issued by NiMet, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) and other relevant authorities throughout the warning period.

The agency also urged members of the public to report flooding incidents promptly, blocked drainage channels and other emergencies to relevant response agencies to enable swift intervention.

As part of measures to reduce the impact of the looming floods, the NOA directed all its State Directors and Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers (COMOs) to intensify public sensitisation campaigns in communities identified as highly vulnerable to flooding.

Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to disaster preparedness and risk reduction, the agency stressed that timely preventive action remains the surest way to save lives and protect property.

“Taking preventive measures early can significantly reduce the risk of loss of lives and property,” the agency stated, urging residents of affected states to remain vigilant and fully comply with all directives issued by emergency management authorities.