The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has issued a fresh flood warning, placing more than 8,000 communities and 4,500 schools across 15 states at risk of flooding between September 19 and 25, 2026.
The agency warned that rising river levels could trigger high riverine flooding in vulnerable communities, potentially affecting schools, healthcare facilities, markets, religious buildings and farmlands.
The affected states are Imo, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Enugu, Bayelsa, Kogi, Abia, Taraba, Rivers and Lagos.
NiHSA Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Arch Umar Mohammed, urged state governments and relevant authorities to take urgent preventive measures, including relocating residents living in highly vulnerable communities to safer locations.
He particularly advised communities located on floodplains to prepare to move to higher ground as river levels rise.
The advisory identified several areas requiring close attention, including communities around Obubra, Itigidi and Epento along the Cross River.
The scale of the warning varies across the affected states. In Imo State, 958 communities and 1,022 schools were identified as exposed, alongside hundreds of healthcare facilities, markets and religious buildings.
Cross River has 2,471 communities and 703 schools listed among the areas at risk, while Ebonyi has 2,574 communities and 1,064 schools identified as exposed to the flood threat.
In Benue State, 303 communities and 100 schools are among the locations facing potential flooding, while Anambra has 1,314 communities and 1,308 schools identified in the advisory.
Akwa Ibom also has 249 communities and 323 schools listed among the areas exposed to the forecast flood risk.
NiHSA urged residents in flood-prone areas to remain alert and take necessary precautions rather than waiting until flooding occurs before taking action.
The agency also called on state governments, local authorities, emergency management agencies, traditional rulers and community leaders to work together to protect lives and property.
Residents living near rivers, waterways and floodplains have been advised to monitor official updates and move to safer and higher ground where necessary.
The latest warning comes during a period when several parts of Nigeria continue to experience heavy rainfall and elevated river levels, increasing the risk of flooding in vulnerable communities.
NiHSA stressed the importance of early action, noting that timely relocation and preparedness could help reduce the potential loss of lives and damage to property.
The seven-day advisory covers the period from September 19 to 25, during which residents and authorities in the affected states are expected to remain particularly vigilant.
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