By Miriam Humbe
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has issued a High Flood Risk Advisory for the period 28 September to 4 October 2026, warning of an increased risk of riverine flooding across 17 states in Nigeria.
Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, the Director General/Chief Executive Officer of
Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) disclosed this in a statement.
The advisory, designated National Flood Advisory (NFA) No. 271, is based on hydrological observations, river-stage monitoring and flood forecasting analyses indicating that rising water levels could trigger flooding, particularly in communities located along river channels, floodplains and other low-lying areas.
NiHSA is particularly monitoring critical river stations at Obubra, Itigidi and Epento on the Cross River, where rising river stages could result in flooding of vulnerable communities.
The affected states include Imo, Cross River, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra and Kogi, among other states covered by the seven-day forecast.
Available exposure assessments indicate that thousands of communities, schools, healthcare facilities, markets, places of worship and farmlands across the affected areas are potentially exposed to flood impacts. The assessment underscores the need for early action by communities, state and local authorities, emergency management agencies and other stakeholders.
The Director General/Chief Executive Officer of NiHSA, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, urged residents and authorities in the affected areas to treat the advisory with utmost seriousness and take preventive measures before floodwaters rise.
He stressed that the purpose of early warning is to enable communities and authorities to act before flooding occurs, rather than wait until lives and property are already at risk.
“We urge communities living along riverbanks, floodplains and other vulnerable locations to take this warning seriously and act early. Where necessary, people, livestock and valuable property should be moved to safer and higher ground before water levels become dangerous.
“Early action remains one of the most effective ways of reducing the loss of lives and property associated with flooding. NiHSA will continue to monitor river levels and provide timely updates as conditions evolve.”»
NiHSA advises state and local authorities, emergency management agencies, community leaders and residents in the affected areas to move people, livestock and valuables from vulnerable floodplains to identified safe and higher ground where necessary; closely monitor NiHSA flood advisories and other official early-warning information; pre-position emergency supplies, including relief materials, first-aid equipment and water-treatment resources; identify and prepare safe shelters for communities that may require evacuation; activate and strengthen community-based early-warning and emergency-response mechanisms; and clear blocked drainage channels and watercourses where appropriate to facilitate the free flow of water.
Residents are strongly advised not to cross flooded roads, bridges, rivers or fast-moving water, either on foot or with vehicles, and to avoid unnecessary movement into areas already affected by rising floodwaters. Essential documents, household valuables, farm inputs and livestock should be moved to safer locations where possible.
NiHSA further calls on relevant authorities to intensify coordination and preparedness measures in vulnerable communities and ensure that flood warnings reach residents at the grassroots level.
The Agency will continue to monitor river levels and hydrological conditions at critical locations and will issue further advisories whenever there are significant changes in the flood situation.
NiHSA therefore urges members of the public to rely on official flood forecasts and advisories and remain vigilant throughout the validity period of the alert.
The Agency’s flood forecasting and early-warning services are designed to provide timely information to communities, government institutions and emergency-management stakeholders to support preparedness and reduce flood-related risks.
