The agency urges governments and residents in vulnerable communities to take precautionary measures and prepare for possible evacuation.

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has issued a high flood risk alert covering 15 states from September 19 to 25, 2026.

The warning, designated NFA-2026-262, is based on forecasts of rising river levels and an increased risk of riverine flooding across the affected areas.  

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

NiHSA Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Umar Mohammed, disclosed the alert in a statement on Saturday. He said nine river stations required close monitoring.

The agency identified Obubra, Itigidi and Epento along the Cross River among the locations requiring attention.

Communities and Infrastructure at Risk

According to the assessment, significant populations and critical infrastructure face exposure to flooding across the affected states.

In Cross River State alone, NiHSA identified 2,471 communities, 703 schools, 344 health facilities, 145 markets, 453 religious centres and 854 hectares of farmland within exposed areas.

Mohammed urged state governments, local councils, emergency management authorities, traditional rulers and community leaders to implement immediate preventive measures.

He also advised residents in flood-prone communities to relocate people, livestock and valuable belongings to safer and higher ground where necessary.

NiHSA Issues Safety Advice

The agency urged communities to activate local early-warning and emergency response mechanisms while monitoring official flood advisories and river-level updates.

Mohammed warned residents against crossing flooded roads, bridges and fast-moving water, either on foot or in vehicles.

He also advised authorities and communities to prepare relief materials, safe drinking water, water-treatment supplies and first-aid materials.

The agency called for the identification and preparation of safe shelters for possible temporary evacuation.

Residents were further advised to clear blocked drainage channels and river outlets only where it is safe to do so. NiHSA also cautioned against construction or habitation in vulnerable floodplain areas.

Mohammed said early action and compliance with official flood warnings remained essential to reducing potential losses of lives, property and livelihoods.

NiHSA said it would continue monitoring hydrological conditions and river levels before issuing further updates.

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