By Stella Odueme
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued a fresh seven-day National Flood Advisory, warning that 17 states face a medium flood risk and calling for immediate action to protect lives, property and critical infrastructure.
The advisory, released on Tuesday, identified as National Flood Alert No. NFA-2026-200, covers the period from July 21 to July 27, 2026, and predicts localized flooding in communities situated along major rivers and floodplains as water levels continue to rise across several monitoring stations nationwide.
Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NIHSA, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, said hydrological data showed that river levels at key stations, including Saminara on the Karam River, Waya Dam Site on the Waya River, and Amber on the Amber River, had exceeded both watch and warning thresholds.
He added that 16 gauging stations within the agency’s hydrometric network were recording unusually high water levels, increasing the risk of flooding in nearby communities.
According to him, communities located along primary river channels are particularly vulnerable and should begin taking precautionary measures without delay.
The agency listed Bauchi, Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau and Benue among the 17 states expected to experience medium flood risk during the forecast period.
NIHSA also released projections of communities and public facilities that could be affected if flooding occurs.
In Bauchi State, about 1,841 communities, 145 schools, 101 health facilities and eight markets are considered vulnerable.
For Edo State, the agency identified 148 communities, 131 schools, 123 health facilities, four markets, seven religious centres, and seven hectares of farmland as being at risk.
In Imo State, the advisory covers 415 communities, 423 schools, 198 health facilities, 49 markets, 111 religious centres, and 75 hectares of farmland.
The assessment for Kaduna State identified 168 communities, 16 schools, three health facilities, and three religious centres as vulnerable.
In Plateau State, NIHSA warned that 205 communities, 137 schools, 44 health facilities, 16 markets, 81 religious centres, and 64 hectares of farmland could be affected.
For Benue State, the agency listed five communities, eight schools, two health facilities, and four religious centres among locations at risk.
To minimise the impact of potential flooding, NIHSA urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), local governments and community leaders to activate emergency preparedness and response plans immediately.
The agency advised residents living in flood-prone areas to relocate to safer locations with their families, livestock and valuable belongings before floodwaters rise.
It also recommended the pre-positioning of relief materials, medical supplies, first-aid equipment and water purification facilities to ensure timely humanitarian response where needed.
In addition, NIHSA called on communities to strengthen local early warning systems, maintain regular communication with residents and clear blocked drains, culverts and waterways to improve water flow.
The agency cautioned the public against walking, driving or attempting to cross flooded roads, bridges or fast-flowing streams, warning that such actions could result in avoidable deaths.
As the rainy season intensifies, NIHSA urged state governments, emergency agencies and residents to remain vigilant and closely monitor its daily flood forecasts and advisories to reduce the impact of possible flooding.
