By Miriam Humbe
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA), on Saturday, issued a high flood risk alert covering 15 states from 19 to 25 September 2026, following forecasts of rising river levels and increased risk of riverine flooding.
The NIHSA Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed issued the flood alert in a statement to the media.
The alert, designated NFA-2026-262, identifies nine river stations at risk, with Obubra, Itigidi and Epento on the Cross River among the key locations requiring close monitoring.
The NiHSA DG/CEO urged State Governments, Local Government Councils, emergency management authorities, traditional and community leaders, and residents in vulnerable locations to take immediate precautionary measures to safeguard lives, property and livelihoods.
According to the assessment, significant populations and critical infrastructure are exposed across the affected areas.
In Cross River State alone, the assessment identifies 2,471 communities, 703 schools, 344 health facilities, 145 markets, 453 religious centres and 854 hectares of farmland within the identified exposure areas.
Other States highlighted in the assessment include Imo, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra and Akwa Ibom, alongside nine additional affected states covered in the detailed State reports.
Umar Ibrahim Mohammed called on residents in flood-prone communities to take the warning seriously and act before flooding occurs.
He advised communities and relevant authorities to:
Move people, livestock and valuables from vulnerable floodplains to pre-identified higher ground where necessary;
Activate community-based early-warning and response mechanisms;
Monitor NiHSA flood advisories and river-level updates regularly;
Avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges or fast-moving water, whether on foot or by vehicle;
Pre-position relief materials, safe drinking water, water-treatment supplies and first-aid materials;
Identify and prepare safe shelters for possible temporary evacuation;
Clear blocked drainage channels and river outlets where it is safe to do so; and
Avoid construction and habitation in vulnerable floodplain areas.
The DG/CEO stressed that early action and adherence to official flood warnings are critical to reducing the risk of loss of lives, property and livelihoods.
NiHSA will continue to monitor hydrological conditions and river levels across the affected areas and will issue further updates as necessary.
The Agency therefore calls on all stakeholders and members of the public to remain vigilant, take the necessary precautionary measures and rely on official NiHSA advisories for timely flood information.
