The Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency (NiHSA) has issued a flood advisory warning that Lagos, Delta, Imo and 12 other states may experience high flood risks within the next seven days.
The agency’s Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Arch Umar Mohammed, disclosed this in a National Flood Advisory released on Friday, stating that the affected areas could experience rising river levels between September 19 and 25, 2026.
NiHSA warned that communities located along floodplains should prepare for possible displacement, urging state governments to urgently relocate residents in vulnerable areas to safer and higher grounds.
According to the agency, critical facilities including schools, healthcare centres, markets, farmlands and religious buildings may be affected by the expected flooding.
“High riverine flood risk forecast for the next seven days across Imo, Cross River and 13 other states. Rising river stages are expected to cause flooding,” the advisory stated.
The agency identified Cross River monitoring stations including Obubra, Itigidi and Epento as locations where rising water levels could increase flood risks.
In Imo State, NiHSA listed several local government areas including Aboh-Mbaise, Ahiazu-Mbaise, Ehime-Mbano, Ezinihitte, Ideato North, Ihitte/Uboma and Ikeduru as vulnerable.
The agency estimated that 958 communities, 1,022 schools, 553 healthcare facilities, 161 markets and 198 religious buildings in Imo State are exposed to the possible impact of flooding.
For Cross River State, affected areas include Abi, Akamkpa, Akpabuyo, Biase, Calabar, Calabar South, Ikom and Obubra.
NiHSA identified 2,471 communities, 703 schools, 344 healthcare facilities, 145 markets, 453 religious buildings and 854 hectares of farmland as exposed to flood risks in the state.
The advisory also highlighted risks in Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, Akwa Ibom and other states.
In Anambra State, areas including Aguata, Anambra East, Anambra West, Anaocha, Awka North, Awka South and Ayamelum were listed among locations facing possible flooding.
The agency said 1,314 communities, 1,308 schools, 1,089 healthcare facilities, 280 markets, 610 religious buildings and 1,529 hectares of farmland could be affected in the state.
Other states identified in the flood warning include Edo, Bayelsa, Enugu, Kogi, Delta, Abia, Taraba and Rivers.
NiHSA advised residents in flood-prone communities to remain alert, follow official warnings and take precautionary measures to reduce possible losses.
The agency also urged relevant authorities to strengthen emergency response plans, protect critical infrastructure and ensure early evacuation where necessary.
