FG Issues Flood Alert for 32 States, 832 Communities

The Federal Government has issued a flood alert for 32 states, warning that 832 communities across Nigeria are at risk of severe flooding in the coming weeks.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) announced that the alert follows weather predictions from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).

Both agencies warned of heavy rainfall, rising water levels, and possible overflow of major rivers.

According to NEMA Director-General Zubaida Umar, the agency has identified high-risk areas that could experience devastating floods if urgent action is not taken.

She urged residents in affected communities to take the warning seriously and prepare for possible evacuations.

States on the High-Risk List

The high-risk states include Lagos, Rivers, Delta, Anambra, Kogi, Niger, Bayelsa, Benue, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Adamawa. Others are Jigawa, Yobe, Borno, Cross River, Edo, Imo, Abia, Kwara, Plateau, and Taraba, among others.

NEMA disclosed that the floods could damage farmlands, destroy infrastructure, and displace thousands of people.

In addition, transportation in some regions could be disrupted as roads become impassable.

Umar revealed that the government is working with state emergency agencies, the Nigerian Red Cross, and other humanitarian partners to set up temporary shelters in safe locations.

Relief materials, including food, water, mattresses, and medical supplies, are being pre-positioned in strategic areas.

She added that search-and-rescue teams have been placed on standby to respond swiftly if flooding occurs.

The Federal Government also advised state governments to clear blocked drainage systems, reinforce embankments, and conduct public awareness campaigns in vulnerable areas.

NEMA called on residents in flood-prone zones to avoid dumping waste in waterways and to move to higher ground when signs of flooding appear.

Farmers have been advised to harvest early and store crops in safe locations to reduce post-flood losses.

Climate change, experts say, has increased the frequency and intensity of flooding in Nigeria.

The combination of heavy rainfall, poor drainage, and unregulated urban expansion has left many communities exposed.

With the peak of the rainy season approaching, the Federal Government stressed that the coming weeks are critical.

It appealed for cooperation from citizens, warning that ignoring safety advice could lead to avoidable loss of lives and property.

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