The Federal Government has issued a flood alert, warning that 11 states across Nigeria may experience heavy rainfall that could result in serious flooding between Sunday and Thursday this week.
The warning was issued by the National Flood Early Warning Centre of the Federal Ministry of Environment, which cited rising water levels in major rivers and increased rainfall patterns as key threats to communities, particularly those located along riverbanks.
According to the alert, the states likely to be affected include Adamawa, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Delta, Niger, Kebbi, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara.
Specific locations listed in the warning are:
Adamawa: Ganye, Natubi
Benue: Abinsi, Agyo, Gogo, Ito, Makurdi, Udoma, Ukpiam
Nasarawa: Agima, Rukubi, Odogbo
Taraba: Beli, Serti, Donga
Delta: Umugboma, Umukwata, Abraka, Aboh, Okpo-Krika
Niger: Rijau
Kebbi: Ribah
Kano: Gwarzo, Karaye
Katsina: Jibia
Sokoto: Makira
Zamfara: Kaura Namoda, Shinkafi, Maradun, Gusau, Anka, Bungudu
The centre also raised concern about increasing water levels in River Gongola, River Benue, and River Niger, noting that this poses a serious risk of overflow and potential flooding in communities situated along their floodplains.
“Due to a rise in the water level of River Gongola, River Benue, and River Niger, communities on their floodplains – especially those stretching from River Gongola up to Numan, and from River Benue and Niger up to Lokoja – are advised to evacuate immediately,” the statement read.
Residents living in these high-risk areas have been urged to stay alert, monitor local weather updates, and cooperate with emergency services. The ministry also called on state governments, local councils, and disaster management agencies to take urgent steps to protect lives and property.
“Relevant stakeholders should kindly take note,” the alert emphasized, encouraging quick responses and feedback from affected states to help mitigate the expected impact.
Flooding has become a yearly challenge in many parts of Nigeria, often causing displacement, destruction of homes, farmlands, and sometimes leading to loss of lives. In previous years, flash floods linked to river overflow and poor drainage systems have wreaked havoc, especially during the peak rainy season.
The government’s early warning aims to prevent a repeat of past disasters by prompting early evacuation, reinforcing embankments, clearing drainages, and ensuring that emergency services are on standby.
With heavy rainfall forecasted this week, communities and authorities are now on high alert, bracing for possible impact.
