The Federal Government has issued a serious flood alert to nine Northern states, warning that they could experience heavy rainfall and flooding between August 25 and 29, 2025.
The warning came through the National Flood Early Warning Centre under the Federal Ministry of Environment. In a circular signed by Usman Abdullahi Bokani, Director of the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, the government cautioned that specific towns and local government areas in the affected states are at high risk of flooding due to predicted heavy downpours.
The states under red alert include Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Borno, and Adamawa.
“Certain northern settlements are likely to experience heavy rainfall that may lead to flooding within the period August 25 to 29, 2025,” the circular warned.
The ministry urged local authorities, emergency services, and residents to stay alert, prepare for possible evacuation, and report any developing flood situations to the proper channels.
According to the circular, some specific towns have been placed under close watch due to their location along flood-prone areas or major water channels.
In Adamawa State, the towns of Mubi, Shelleng, and Abba-Kumbo were flagged as high-risk. Similarly, in Katsina State, Katsina town, Kaita, and Bindawa made the watchlist.
Other listed areas include Gwaram in Jigawa, Nafada in Gombe, Ngala in Borno, Sumaila in Kano, Anka in Zamfara, and Makira in Sokoto. In Bauchi State, Azare and Jama’are are being closely monitored.
The federal agency stressed the need for immediate feedback from local authorities if any signs of flooding or excessive rainfall begin to show.
“We call on relevant stakeholders on the Centre’s platform to give feedback of any emerging situation in their various states,” Bokani said.
This warning follows earlier alerts issued in July, when the Ministry of Environment cautioned about rising water levels along the River Niger and urged communities in seven northern states to prepare for possible evacuation.
Nigeria faces regular seasonal flooding, especially during the peak rainy months of July to September. Poor drainage, unregulated urban expansion, and climate change have made the problem worse in many states.
In 2022, widespread floods affected 33 of Nigeria’s 36 states, killing over 600 people and displacing more than 1.3 million residents. Farmlands were destroyed, food supply chains were disrupted, and critical infrastructure such as roads and bridges were damaged.
In 2024, similar floods hit communities in Jigawa, Katsina, and Sokoto, causing significant displacement and loss of livelihoods.
The Ministry said it has shared the alert with disaster management agencies such as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) in affected states. It urged these bodies to activate their response plans and ensure relief materials are ready in case of emergencies.
The Director also called on state governments, local councils, traditional leaders, and community-based organizations to spread the warning and encourage residents in low-lying or riverbank areas to take preventive measures.
The Federal Government has also advised against dumping refuse in waterways and building on natural flood paths, practices that have worsened the effects of seasonal rainfall in the past.
Residents Urged to Take Precaution:
-Clear drainage channels around their homes.
-Move valuables and essential items to higher ground.
-Be prepared for possible evacuation.
-Stay updated on local weather and government announcements.
-Avoid driving or walking through flooded areas.
Local farmers are also being advised to secure their farms and livestock, as heavy floods may affect agricultural areas, especially those near rivers or valleys.
