The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a public health advisory warning of increased risk of cholera and other disease outbreaks following forecast flooding across parts of the country.
The alert comes after the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) predicted heavy rainfall and possible flooding between April 13 and 17, 2026 in several states, including Adamawa, Enugu, Kaduna, Kogi, Niger, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Taraba and Kwara.
According to the NCDC, flooding could trigger outbreaks of cholera and other diarrhoeal diseases, as well as increase malaria cases, water contamination, injuries, and disruptions to healthcare services.
The agency urged residents in affected areas to adopt preventive measures such as drinking only safe water—boiled or chlorinated—maintaining proper hygiene, avoiding floodwaters, and using insecticide-treated mosquito nets.
READ ALSO:
- Lassa Fever: NCDC Confirms 11 New Cases, Two Deaths in Four States
- FG to Strengthen Health System, Disease Surveillance
- Ampiclox as Contraceptive Threatens Fertility, Health System in Nigeria
- Lassa Fever Death Toll Rises to 176 in Nigeria — NCDC
It also advised proper food storage, improved sanitation, and immediate medical attention for symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, or fever.
The NCDC called on community leaders to intensify public awareness, promote sanitation, ensure access to clean water, and support early reporting of suspected illnesses.
It added that it is working with state governments to strengthen surveillance and emergency response systems ahead of the predicted flooding period.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.