Flood: NiHSA Urges Residents In 15 States To Move To Safety

More than 8,000 communities and 4,500 schools across 15 states are at risk of flooding as rising river levels are expected to affect vulnerable areas over the next seven days.

The warning was issued by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) in its National Flood Advisory covering September 19 to 25, 2026.

The affected states are Imo, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Enugu, Bayelsa, Kogi, Abia, Taraba, Rivers and Lagos.

NiHSA warned that rising river stages could cause flooding in communities located on floodplains. Schools, healthcare facilities, markets, religious buildings and farmlands are also at risk.

The agency’s Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Arch Umar Mohammed, urged affected state governments to take urgent steps to protect residents in vulnerable areas.

Mohammed said the advisory was issued to help communities prepare before flooding occurs, particularly in areas close to rivers and other waterways.

“High riverine flood risk is forecast for the next seven days across Imo, Cross River and 13 other states. Rising river stages are expected to cause flooding,” he said.

He also advised people living on floodplains to prepare for possible movement to safer areas.

“Communities on the floodplain should prepare to move to higher ground. Stations include Obubra, Itigidi and Epento on the Cross River,” Mohammed added.

States And Communities Facing Flood Risk

In Imo State, NiHSA listed Aboh-Mbaise, Ahiazu-Mbaise, Ehime Mbano, Ezinihitte, Ideato North, Ihitte/Uboma and Ikeduru Local Government Areas (LGAs) among the areas at risk.

The agency identified 958 communities, 1,022 schools, 553 healthcare facilities, 161 markets and 198 religious buildings as exposed in the state.

Cross River is also among the states facing significant risk. The affected LGAs include Abi, Akamkpa, Akpabuyo, Biase, Calabar, Calabar South, Ikom and Obubra.

NiHSA said 2,471 communities, 703 schools, 344 healthcare facilities, 145 markets, 453 religious buildings and 854 hectares of farmland were exposed to the risk.

In Ebonyi, Abakaliki, Afikpo, Afikpo South, Ebonyi, Ezza North and Ezza South LGAs were identified as vulnerable.

The agency listed 2,574 communities, 1,064 schools, 422 healthcare facilities, 480 markets, 629 religious buildings and 1,882 hectares of farmland as exposed.

Benue also has several vulnerable areas, including Buruku, Gboko, Guma, Katsina-Ala, Logo and Ukum LGAs.

NiHSA identified 303 communities, 100 schools, 48 healthcare facilities, 32 markets, 151 religious buildings and 55 hectares of farmland as exposed.

In Anambra, the affected LGAs include Aguata, Anambra East, Anambra West, Anaocha, Awka North, Awka South and Ayamelum.

The agency listed 1,314 communities, 1,308 schools, 1,089 healthcare facilities, 280 markets, 610 religious buildings and 1,529 hectares of farmland as exposed.

NiHSA Urges Residents To Move To Higher Ground

In Akwa Ibom, Abak, Eket, Etinan, Ibeno, Ibesikpo Asutan, Ibiono Ibom, Ika and Ikono LGAs were listed among the affected areas.

NiHSA identified 249 communities, 323 schools, 211 healthcare facilities, 74 markets and 289 religious buildings as exposed in the state.

Other states listed in the advisory are Delta, Edo, Enugu, Bayelsa, Kogi, Abia, Taraba, Rivers and Lagos.

The agency urged residents in flood-prone communities, especially those living on floodplains, to take precautionary measures and move to higher ground where necessary.

It also advised state governments and other relevant authorities to act early and help residents in vulnerable areas relocate before flooding becomes severe.

The advisory is aimed at reducing the possible impact of flooding on lives, property and critical infrastructure during the forecast period.