The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned residents and authorities in 13 states to prepare for possible flash floods between August 11 and 20, 2026, as heavy rainfall continues across parts of the country.

The states identified in the latest warning include Sokoto, Kaduna and Adamawa, alongside 10 other states considered vulnerable to flash flooding during the period.

The warning comes as Nigeria moves deeper into the peak of the rainy season, with intense rainfall increasing the risk of flooding in low-lying communities, urban areas and locations with inadequate drainage.

NiMet’s latest advisory highlights the importance of early preparation, particularly in communities that have experienced flooding in previous years.

Homes and infrastructure at risk

Flooding remains a major concern for Nigeria’s built environment because intense rainfall can quickly overwhelm drainage systems and expose homes, roads and other infrastructure to damage.

Poor drainage, blocked waterways and development in flood-prone areas can increase the impact of heavy rainfall.

For residents in vulnerable communities, the latest warning reinforces the need for local authorities and emergency agencies to monitor areas where flooding could threaten homes and public infrastructure.

NiMet urges preparedness

NiMet has advised residents to continue monitoring official weather forecasts and flood advisories as conditions develop.

The agency also stressed the importance of keeping drains and waterways free of refuse, while cautioning people to avoid flooded roads and other areas where floodwater poses a safety risk.

The warning also has implications for motorists and commuters, as flooding can disrupt road networks, cause traffic congestion and make some routes temporarily inaccessible.

Heavy rainfall can also affect electricity and telecommunications infrastructure and create additional pressure on already vulnerable public facilities.

Urban planning remains critical

The latest warning again puts the spotlight on the relationship between urban planning and flood management.

Nigeria’s rapid urbanisation has increased pressure on available land, while development in flood-prone locations and inadequate drainage infrastructure can worsen the consequences of extreme rainfall.

A July NiMet advisory similarly identified numerous states, including Sokoto, Kaduna and Adamawa, among areas vulnerable to flash flooding during periods of intensified rainfall.

The repeated warnings underline the need for authorities to move beyond emergency response and strengthen long-term flood prevention through better drainage, effective land-use planning and protection of natural waterways.

For the housing sector, this is particularly important. Expanding housing supply without considering flood risk could expose more households to property damage and displacement.

As the August 11–20 risk period continues, residents and authorities in the affected states will need to take the warning seriously and strengthen preparedness measures.

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Persistent rainfall across Lagos has left residents grappling with flooded highways, severe traffic congestion, and rising transportation costs, forcing many commuters, traders, and business owners to adjust their daily routines to cope with the prolonged rainy season. The worsening conditions have highlighted the growing need for improved urban drainage systems and resilient transport infrastructure.

Many commuters now leave their homes before dawn to avoid hours of gridlock caused by flooded roads. Others rely on weather forecasts, navigation apps, raincoats, and waterproof gear to minimise disruptions to their daily activities. Residents also report that commercial transport fares often increase significantly whenever heavy rainfall occurs, placing additional financial pressure on households already struggling with the rising cost of living.

Motorists say prolonged traffic congestion during rainfall has increased fuel consumption and vehicle maintenance costs, while public transport users complain that transport fares frequently surge during periods of flooding. For many workers, the rainy season has become a daily challenge requiring careful planning and additional expenses to reach workplaces on time.

Traders across several markets in Lagos say the rainy season presents both opportunities and challenges. While sellers of umbrellas and raincoats have experienced higher demand, many market operators report reduced customer traffic, damaged goods, and lost income whenever heavy rainfall and flooding discourage shoppers from visiting markets.

The situation aligns with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet)‘s 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction, which forecasts a longer-than-normal rainy season for Lagos. Experts say the recurring floods underscore the need for improved drainage infrastructure, regular desilting of waterways, stricter enforcement of urban planning regulations, and greater investment in climate-resilient infrastructure to reduce the economic and environmental impact of flooding.

Urban planning experts note that addressing flooding in Lagos will require coordinated investments in stormwater management, road infrastructure, and sustainable city planning. They argue that strengthening drainage networks and preventing the obstruction of waterways will improve mobility, reduce transport costs, and enhance the city’s resilience to extreme weather events

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The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) has issued a flood risk alert to residents of Gwagwalada, Mabushi, Lokogoma, and other vulnerable communities in Abuja, urging them to take precautionary measures as heavy rainfall continues across the Federal Capital Territory. The agency warned that persistent downpours could trigger flash floods, property damage, and disruption to transportation if residents fail to heed safety advisories.

According to FEMD, the affected communities are among areas identified as being susceptible to flooding due to poor drainage systems, blocked waterways, rapid urban development, and increased rainfall intensity during the peak of the rainy season. The agency advised residents living in flood-prone locations to remain vigilant and monitor official weather and emergency updates.

The department urged residents not to dump refuse into drainage channels, stressing that blocked drains significantly increase the risk of urban flooding. It also advised motorists and pedestrians to avoid driving or walking through flooded roads, as water levels can rise rapidly and pose serious safety risks.

FEMD said it is working closely with relevant agencies, including the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), and emergency response organisations to monitor weather conditions and coordinate disaster response where necessary. Emergency teams have also been placed on alert to respond swiftly to incidents resulting from heavy rainfall.

The agency encouraged community leaders and residents to report blocked drainage channels, flooding incidents, and other emergencies promptly to ensure quick intervention. It further called on developers and property owners to comply with approved planning regulations and avoid construction activities that obstruct natural waterways.

Experts note that improving urban drainage infrastructure, enforcing development control regulations, and increasing public awareness are critical to reducing the impact of seasonal flooding in rapidly growing urban centres such as Abuja. They also urged continuous investment in flood management infrastructure and climate resilience measures to protect lives, property, and critical public assets.

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Residents of Efut Efio-Ene community in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State have appealed to the government for urgent intervention over persistent flooding that has devastated homes, damaged infrastructure and threatened lives in the area.

The community attributed the recurring flood incidents to an open drainage channel that directs stormwater from different parts of Calabar metropolis into the area, resulting in widespread destruction of residential properties, access roads and public infrastructure.

Speaking in Calabar, the Clan Head of Efut Efio-Ene, His Royal Highness Muri Ekong Umo Ekpo II, described the situation as alarming, noting that residents have continued to suffer significant losses due to the flooding.

According to him, the floodwaters have destroyed household items and personal belongings, contaminated drinking water sources, increased health risks and disrupted movement within the community.

“We are facing serious challenges because all the water channelled from different parts of Calabar flows directly into our community. The flooding has destroyed houses and properties, contaminated our water sources and exposed residents to various health hazards,” the monarch said.

The traditional ruler disclosed that the drainage system serving the area had not been properly cleared since the administration of former Governor Donald Duke, urging authorities to immediately desilt the drains before the peak of the rainy season.

He called on the federal and state governments, as well as emergency response agencies, to urgently intervene to prevent further destruction and possible loss of lives.

The Youth Leader of the community, Princewill Lawrence, warned that residents now live in fear as heavy rainfall could trigger more severe flooding, structural collapse and widespread damage to livelihoods.

“Residents are worried that increased rainfall in the coming weeks could lead to catastrophic flooding, destruction of property, collapse of weak structures and loss of lives,” he said.

Lawrence appealed for a comprehensive technical assessment of the affected areas and the implementation of sustainable flood-control measures, including proper drainage channels, retention systems and stormwater management infrastructure.

Also speaking, the Women Leader of the community, Obongawan Nanke Bassey, urged government authorities to take immediate action to alleviate the suffering of residents before the situation worsens.

Reacting to the concerns, the Director-General of the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, Antigha Gill, said the government was aware of the problem and had already drawn the attention of relevant authorities to the situation.

Gill explained that the agency had previously communicated the matter to the state government, which subsequently directed the Ministry of Environment to take necessary action.

He added that the agency had received several letters from the community requesting intervention and assured residents that efforts were underway in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and the Calabar Urban Development Authority to address the flooding challenge.

The appeal comes as communities across Cross River State face increasing concerns over flooding risks during the peak rainy season, with residents calling for improved drainage infrastructure and proactive environmental management measures.

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Former spokesman of President Bola Tinubu’s South-East campaign, Josef Onoh, has blamed the recent flooding in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, on illegal developments along waterways, calling for urgent federal intervention to prevent further environmental damage.

Heavy rainfall on Monday left several parts of Abuja submerged, with videos showing stranded vehicles and flooded roads across major districts of the city.

Flooding Caused by Encroachment, Not Just Rainfall — Onoh

Onoh, who previously served as Chairman of the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA), said the incident was not merely the result of heavy rainfall but a consequence of “reckless development and criminal encroachment of waterways.”

He warned that without immediate action, Abuja could face a worsening environmental crisis.

Calls for Audit and Demolition of Illegal Structures

Onoh urged President Bola Tinubu to direct the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to take urgent steps to address the situation.

He recommended a comprehensive audit and mapping of all encroached waterways and floodplains, alongside strict enforcement measures.

His proposals include:

• Demolition of illegal structures built on waterways
• Mass desilting of blocked drainage systems
• Rehabilitation of drainage infrastructure
• Stronger enforcement of environmental protection laws

Warning Over Future Flood Risks in Abuja

Onoh cautioned that if urgent action is not taken, Abuja residents may soon face severe disruptions after rainfall events.

He warned that roads, bridges, public buildings, and utilities could be at increasing risk, while human lives remain vulnerable to flooding incidents.

Recurring Flood Challenges in the FCT

Flooding has become an annual challenge in parts of Abuja during the rainy season, often linked by urban planners to poor drainage systems and unchecked construction on floodplains.

Experts say sustainable urban planning and strict enforcement of building regulations are critical to preventing future disasters in the capital city.

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