By Godwin Udoh
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued a fresh flood alert for 198 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across 32 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), warning of high to very high flood risks between August 7 and 21.
NIHSA’s Director General, Mr. Umar Ibrahim, sounded the warning on Thursday, citing rising river levels and persistent rainfall nationwide.
According to the agency, more than 832 communities and several major transportation routes could face severe disruptions during the forecast period.
The affected states include Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, the FCT, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, and Nasarawa. Others are Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara.
“Possible disruption of major transportation routes is anticipated,” the agency stated, referencing its colour-coded flood risk map.
NIHSA urged emergency management agencies to activate response protocols and advised at-risk communities to prepare evacuation plans. Residents were also encouraged to follow the agency’s weekly state-level and community-specific forecasts via its flood dashboard and official social media channels.
The alert is part of NIHSA’s ongoing effort to reduce the impact of seasonal flooding, which displaces thousands and damages infrastructure every year.
