By Esther Ososanya
The federal government has issued an urgent flood warning for 19 states across the country, cautioning that torrential rains expected from August 5 to August 9 may trigger severe flooding in 76 high-risk locations.
The forecast was issued on Tuesday by the National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre under the Federal Ministry of Environment, amid rising concerns over Nigeria’s vulnerability to extreme weather events worsened by climate change and poor drainage infrastructure.
In a statement, the Centre warned that “persistent heavy rainfall will likely lead to significant flooding” and urged state emergency agencies, local governments, and residents in flood-prone areas to take immediate preventive measures to mitigate loss of lives and property.
“The risk is real, and the time to act is now,” the agency said, stressing that vulnerable communities should be placed on high alert.
States and Communities at Risk
According to the forecast, the following states and locations may experience rainfall intense enough to cause dangerous flooding over the five-day period:
- Akwa Ibom: Edor, Eket, Ikom, Oron, Upenekang
- Bauchi: Tafawa-Balewa, Azare, Jama’are, Kari, Misau, Jama’a
- Ebonyi: Abakaliki, Echara, Ezilo
- Cross River: Ogoja, Edor, Obubra
- Nasarawa: Keana, Keffi, Wamba
- Benue: Agaku, Buruku, Gboko, Igumale, Ito, Katsina-Ala, Ugba, Vande-Ikya
- Kaduna: Jaji, Kafancha, Birnin-Gwari, Zaria
- Katsina: Bindawa, Bakori, Daura, Funtua
- Kebbi: Bagudo, Birnin-Kebbi, Bunza, Gwandu, Jega, Kalgo, Kamba, Kangiwa, Shanga, Ribah, Sakaba, Saminaka, Yelwa, Gauri-Banza
- Kano: Bebeji, Gezawa, Gwarzo, Kano, Karaye, Tundun-Wada, Wudil, Kunchi
- Niger: Kontagora, Rijau, Ringim
- Plateau: Mangu
- Taraba: Donga, Takum
- Jigawa: Diginsa, Gumel, Dutse, Gwaram, Hadejia, Miga
- Yobe: Machina, Potiskum
- Zamfara: Anka
- Sokoto: Sokoto, Wamakko
- Borno: Biu
- Gombe: Bajoga
What Citizens Should Do
Residents in affected areas are advised to:
- Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters
- Relocate from low-lying areas to higher ground
- Clear gutters and drainage channels around their homes
- Stay updated through local emergency alerts and radio broadcasts
- Report early signs of flooding to local authorities
Nigeria faces annual flood challenges, often resulting in significant economic and humanitarian damage. According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), over 600 lives were lost and 1.4 million were displaced during the devastating floods of 2022.
Experts warn that with changing weather patterns and inadequate urban planning, the threat of flooding remains a national emergency that demands both community preparedness and institutional response.
READ ALSO: NiMet Forecasts Nationwide Rain, Storms Monday–Wednesday
The Ministry of Environment said it has notified relevant state governments and emergency responders for early deployment of relief and response logistics. However, civil society organisations and climate advocates are calling for long-term infrastructure investment to curb recurring flood disasters.
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.
