By Fatima Saka
Abuja, Nigeria– Critical sites within Nigeria’s projected flood footprint have been identified as Saminaka on the Karam River, Waya Dam site on the Waya River, and Amber on the Amber River, as the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) intensifies its national flood advisory and urges immediate safety actions on Wednesday.
The Director General of NIHSA, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, called on state governments, emergency management agencies (SEMA/NEMA), community leaders, and the general public to adopt proactive measures to minimise damage and ensure safety.
He specifically advised the immediate relocation of people, livestock, and valuable assets from floodplains and low-lying areas to safer, higher ground, warning against building or residing in flood-prone zones.
The advisory forms part of NIHSA’s Medium Flood Risk Alert issued for 13 states, valid from July 14 to July 20, 2026, following hydrological data indicating likely localized inundation along major river channels.
According to the agency, at least 16 monitoring stations have been classified as high-risk, with several communities, schools, health facilities, and markets exposed to potential flooding.
States expected to be impacted include Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Edo, Imo, Kaduna, as well as Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Benue, Cross River, Enugu, Lagos, Niger, and Plateau.
In Adamawa State, Demsa, Lamurde, and Numan LGAs are identified as high exposure areas, while Bauchi State may see impacts in Bauchi, Ningi, and Shira LGAs. Gubio and Mobbar LGAs in Borno State are also projected to face heavy flooding.
Edo State has multiple at-risk LGAs including Akoko-Edo, Etsako East, Etsako West, Ikpoba-Okha, Orhionmwon, Ovia North-East, and Ovia South-West. In Imo State, Aboh-Mbaise, Oguta, Ohaji/Egbema, Okigwe, Owerri North, and Owerri West are listed as vulnerable.
Kaduna State is similarly affected, with Chikun, Giwa, Igabi, Jaba, Jema’a, Kachia, Kaura, Kauru, and several other LGAs expected to experience varying degrees of flooding.
NIHSA further urged residents to clear drainage systems and waterways, avoid crossing flooded roads or fast-moving water, and ensure emergency preparedness through the pre-positioning of relief materials and medical supplies.
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The agency also emphasised the need for community mobilisation and early warning systems, encouraging local volunteers to monitor water levels and disseminate timely information.
NIHSA reiterated its commitment to providing accurate and timely hydrological data to safeguard lives, property, and livelihoods nationwide.
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