NIHSA Warns Of Imminent Flooding In 17 States, Urges Immediate Evacuation

The National Flood Advisory (Alert No. NFA-2026-200), which takes effect from July 21 to July 27, 2026, forecasts localised flooding along major river channels and floodplains due to rising water levels at critical hydrological monitoring stations.

Speaking on the advisory , Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NIHSA, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, said hydrological monitoring showed that river stages at key stations, including Saminara on the Karam River, Waya Dam Site on the Waya River and Amber on the Amber River, had exceeded watch and warning thresholds.

He said 16 gauging stations across the country have recorded elevated water levels, putting communities along major river channels at risk of imminent localized flooding.

“Our hydrological monitoring network indicates that river stages at critical monitoring stations have exceeded watch and warning thresholds. With 16 gauging stations showing elevated stages, communities along the primary channels face imminent localized flooding. We strongly advise state governments, local authorities and residents on floodplains to act immediately,” Mohammed said.

The agency identified the affected states to include Bauchi, Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau and Benue, alongside 11 other states.

NIHSA’s impact assessment showed that Bauchi State has the highest exposure, with 1,841 communities, 145 schools, 101 health facilities and eight markets at risk.

In Edo State, 148 communities, 131 schools, 123 health facilities, four markets, seven religious centres and seven hectares of farmland could be affected.

The advisory also indicated that 415 communities, 423 schools, 198 health facilities, 49 markets, 111 religious centres and 75 hectares of farmland in Imo State are vulnerable to flooding.

In Plateau State, 205 communities, 137 schools, 44 health facilities, 16 markets, 81 religious centres and 64 hectares of farmland are at risk, while Kaduna has 168 communities, 16 schools, three health facilities and three religious centres identified as vulnerable.

Benue State could see flooding affect five communities, eight schools, two health facilities and four religious centres.

To mitigate the impact, NIHSA directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), local government authorities and community leaders to commence immediate evacuation of residents living on floodplains to designated safe shelters.

The agency also urged emergency responders to pre-position relief materials, including food, medical supplies and water treatment items, activate community-based early warning systems, clear blocked drainage channels and intensify public awareness campaigns.

It further advised residents to avoid walking, driving or riding through flooded roads, bridges and fast-flowing rivers, while encouraging state governments and the public to monitor daily flood updates issued by the agency.