The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued a flood alert saying 198 area councils in 29 states and the Federal Capital Territory will be affected by flood between August 7 and 21.
The director general of the agency, Mr Umar Mohammed, disclosed this in a notice issued yesterday in Abuja.
The NIHSA categorised flood risk levels as very high, high, and moderate, depending on local topography and rainfall intensity projections.
States listed include Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, the FCT, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara.
The agency said the warning followed persistent rainfall and rising water levels across major rivers.
Mohammed also said over 100 communities and key transport routes could face severe disruption, while 832 communities fall within high-risk zones.
“This alert is issued in line with our commitment to safeguarding lives and property,” Umar said.
He also appealed to affected states and local governments to rise up to the occasion and safeguard the lives of their people.
“We call on state governments, local authorities, and the public to take proactive measures to mitigate risk and ensure community safety,” he added.
The director general advised emergency agencies to activate contingency plans and urged residents in flood-prone areas to prepare for possible evacuation.
He also assured that the agency will continue to monitor the hydrological situation and provide timely updates as necessary.
He added that for further information and real-time flood updates, citizens are encouraged to follow NIHSA’s official channels or contact their respective state emergency management agencies.
