Nigeria: Nationwide alert on flood in 19 states,FG warns

By Chinasaokwu Helen Okoro

The Federal Government has issued a nationwide alert, warning of heavy rainfall expected to last five days — from August 5 to 9 — which could trigger flooding in 76 locations across 19 states.

The alert, released on Tuesday by the National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre under the Federal Ministry of Environment, urged residents and relevant authorities to take immediate precautionary steps to mitigate risks.

This warning follows recent devastating floods in Ogun and Gombe states, with other states like Lagos, Plateau, Anambra, and Delta also reporting significant flood-related damage.

According to the centre’s prediction, the states and areas likely to be affected include:

Akwa Ibom: Edor, Eket, Ikom, Oron, Upenekang

Bauchi: Tafawa-Balewa, Azare, Jama’are, Kari, Misau, Jama’a

Ebonyi: Abakaliki, Echara, Ezilo

Cross River: Ogoja, Edor, Obubra

Nasarawa: Keana, Keffi, Wamba

Benue: Agaku, Buruku, Gboko, Igumale, Ito, Katsina-Ala, Ugba, Vande-Ikya

Kaduna: Jaji, Kafanchan, Birnin-Gwari, Zaria

Katsina: Bindawa, Bakori, Daura, Funtua

Kebbi: Bagudo, Birnin-Kebbi, Bunza, Gwandu, Jega, Kalgo, Kamba, Kangiwa, Shanga, Ribah, Sakaba, Saminaka, Yelwa, Gauri-Banza

Kano: Bebeji, Gezawa, Gwarzo, Kano, Karaye, Tundun-Wada, Wudil, Kunchi

Niger: Kontagora, Rijau, Ringim

Plateau: Mangu

Taraba: Donga, Takum

Jigawa: Diginsa, Gumel, Dutse, Gwaram, Hadejia, Miga

Yobe: Machina, Potiskum

Zamfara: Anka

Sokoto: Sokoto, Wamakko

Borno: Biu

Gombe: Bajoga

Flooding remains a persistent seasonal disaster in Nigeria. In 2024 alone, floods affected 31 states, resulting in hundreds of deaths, thousands of injuries, and displacing over 1.2 million people.

Authorities have reiterated the need for vigilance and community preparedness, as weather patterns continue to intensify.