The Federal Government has issued an urgent flood alert, warning that 19 states and 76 locations across Nigeria are at high risk of heavy rainfall and potential flooding over the next five days.
The warning, released Tuesday by the National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre under the Federal Ministry of Environment, follows reports of severe flooding in parts of Ogun and Gombe states, where several communities were submerged. Other states like Lagos, Plateau, Anambra, and Delta have also recorded similar incidents in recent days.
According to the forecast, the heavy downpour is expected between Tuesday, August 5 and Saturday, August 9, 2025, with vulnerable areas advised to brace for flash floods, overflow of drainage systems, and possible disruption of daily activities.
The states listed in the high-risk zones 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)
Benue, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Jigawa, Yobe, Zamfara, Sokoto, Borno, Gombe, Nasarawa.
The Ministry has urged residents in flood-prone communities, state governments, and emergency management agencies to stay alert, activate early response plans, and avoid waterlogged areas during the forecast period.
Environmental experts have warned that with climate patterns becoming increasingly erratic, localized floods may escalate into full-blown disasters without quick preventive action.
This alert comes amid ongoing concerns over Nigeria’s preparedness for extreme weather, especially as the rainy season intensifies. Citizens are advised to monitor weather updates and follow official safety advisories.
