The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued a high flood risk alert to 15 states, warning residents and authorities of imminent riverine flooding between September 19 and 25. The alert, designated NFA-2026-262, highlights rising river levels that require close monitoring, with the agency noting that significant populations, infrastructure, and livelihoods are currently exposed to the threat.
NIHSA identified nine specific river stations at risk, including Obubra, Itigidi, and Epento on the Cross River. The assessment covers a wide geographic area, explicitly naming Imo, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, and Akwa Ibom states, alongside nine other affected states detailed in the agency’s reports.
Exposure in Cross River State
In Cross River State alone, the agency quantified the scale of potential impact, identifying 2,471 communities, 703 schools, 344 health facilities, 145 markets, and 453 religious centres within the exposure areas. Additionally, 854 hectares of farmland are situated in zones vulnerable to flooding, posing a direct risk to local agriculture and food security.
Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, the NIHSA Director General and Chief Executive Officer, urged state and local governments, emergency agencies, traditional rulers, and community leaders to take immediate precautionary measures. He emphasized that early action and strict compliance with official flood warnings are critical to reducing the risk of deaths, property destruction, and loss of livelihoods.
Recommended Precautionary Measures
Authorities and residents in flood-prone communities are advised to move people, livestock, and valuables from vulnerable floodplains to safer, higher ground where necessary. The agency also instructed communities to activate local early-warning and response mechanisms while closely monitoring NIHSA flood advisories and river-level updates.
- Avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges, and fast-moving water.
- Pre-position relief materials, safe drinking water, water-treatment supplies, and first-aid kits.
- Identify safe shelters for possible evacuation.
- Clear blocked drainage channels and river outlets where it is safe to do so.
- Avoid construction or habitation in vulnerable floodplain areas.
NIHSA stated it will continue to monitor hydrological conditions and river levels across the affected areas, issuing further updates as necessary to keep the public informed of the evolving situation.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
