The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued a Medium Flood Risk Advisory for 17 states, warning that rising river levels could trigger localized flooding between July 21 and July 27, 2026.
The warning, contained in the agency’s National Flood Advisory (Alert No.: NFA-2026-200), follows increasing water levels recorded at several hydrological monitoring stations across the country.
NIHSA Director-General Umar Mohammed said rivers at key locations, including Saminara on the Karam River, Waya Dam Site on the Waya River, and Amber on the Amber River, have exceeded critical thresholds, while 16 gauging stations nationwide are recording elevated water levels.
He warned that communities located along major river channels and floodplains face an imminent risk of localized flooding.
States identified under medium flood risk include Bauchi, Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau, and Benue, with 11 other states also expected to experience varying levels of flooding during the forecast period.
According to the advisory, thousands of communities, schools, health facilities, markets, religious centres, and farmlands across the affected states are vulnerable to flooding.
To reduce the risk of casualties and property damage, NIHSA has directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), local governments, and community leaders to immediately activate emergency response plans.
The agency also advised residents in flood-prone areas to evacuate to safer locations and move livestock and valuables, while authorities are urged to pre-position relief materials and strengthen community early warning systems.
