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…Urges States To Evacuate Residents From Floodplains
ABUJA – The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) on Tuesday warned of imminent flooding in Bauchi, Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau, Benue, and 11 additional states.
The NIHSA issued a National Flood Advisory (Alert No.: NFA-2026-200) forecasting a Medium Flood Risk across 17 states.
According to the release, “The 7-day advisory, effective from July 21 to July 27, 2026, highlights imminent localised inundations along key river channels and floodplains.”
Speaking on the advisory, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NIHSA, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, emphasised the critical need for proactive risk management, timely evacuation, and inter-agency coordination to protect lives, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure.
“Our hydrological monitoring network indicates that river stages at critical monitoring stations—including Saminara on the Karam River, Waya Dam Site on the Waya River, and Amber on the Amber River—have exceeded watch and warning thresholds.
“With 16 gauging stations showing elevated stages, communities along the primary channels face imminent localised flooding. “We strongly advise state governments, local authorities, and residents on floodplains to act immediately.”
Affected jurisdictions include 17 states, comprising Bauchi, Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau, Benue, and 11 additional states.
The statement explained 16 critical gauging stations across the national hydrometric network.
On the impact and exposure overview, NIHSA predicted that 1,841 communities, 145 schools, 101 health facilities, 8 markets will be affected in Bauchi State.
“Edo State: 148 communities, 131 schools, 123 health facilities, 4 markets, 7 religious centres, 7 ha of farmlands.
“Imo State: 415 communities, 423 schools, 198 health facilities, 49 markets, 111 religious centres, 75 ha of farmlands.
“Kaduna State: 168 communities, 16 schools, 3 health facilities, 3 religious centres.
“Plateau State: 205 communities, 137 schools, 44 health facilities, 16 markets, 81 religious centres, 64 ha of farmlands.
“Benue State: 5 communities, 8 schools, 2 health facilities, 4 religious centres.”
The director general urged emergency management agencies (NEMA/SEMA), local government executives, and community leaders to enforce safety measures without delay.
Mohammed urged immediate evacuation of residents, livestock, and critical household valuables away from floodplains to designated safe shelters immediately.
According to him, “Emergency response bodies should pre-position medical, first-aid, water-treatment, and food supplies in safe havens.
“Activate early-warning volunteers and local communication channels for rapid alert dissemination.
“Citizens must not attempt to walk, drive, or ride through flooded roads, bridges, or fast-flowing water courses.
“Clear blockages in drainage systems, culverts, and river mouths to facilitate unimpeded water flow.
“State actors and the general public are advised to track daily updates from NIHSA bulletins.”
