The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has issued another high flood risk alert for 15 states, warning residents and authorities in vulnerable communities to take immediate precautionary measures against possible riverine flooding.
The alert, covering September 19 to 25, 2026, follows forecasts of rising river levels and increased flooding risks across the affected areas.
In a statement issued on Monday, NiHSA Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, said the alert, designated NFA-2026-262, identified nine river stations requiring close monitoring.
He listed Obubra, Itigidi and Epento on the Cross River among the locations considered particularly vulnerable.
Mohammed urged state governments, local government councils, emergency management agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and residents in flood-prone areas to act swiftly to protect lives, property and livelihoods.
According to the assessment, significant populations and critical infrastructure are exposed to flooding 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,” Mohammed said.
He added that other states highlighted in the assessment include Imo, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra and Akwa Ibom, alongside nine other states covered in the detailed state reports.
The NiHSA boss advised residents of vulnerable communities not to wait until flooding occurs before taking action.
He urged communities and relevant authorities to relocate people, livestock and valuables from vulnerable floodplains to pre-identified higher ground where necessary.
He also called for the activation of community-based early-warning and emergency response mechanisms, while urging residents to regularly monitor NiHSA flood advisories and river-level updates.
Mohammed further warned residents against attempting to cross flooded roads, bridges or fast-moving water, either on foot or in vehicles.
He advised authorities and communities to pre-position relief materials, safe drinking water, water-treatment supplies and first-aid materials in anticipation of possible emergencies.
Other measures recommended by the agency include identifying safe shelters for possible temporary evacuation, clearing blocked drainage channels and river outlets where it is safe to do so, and avoiding construction or habitation in vulnerable floodplain areas.
Mohammed stressed that early action and compliance with official flood warnings remained critical to reducing the risk of loss of lives, property and livelihoods.
He assured the public that NiHSA would continue monitoring hydrological conditions and river levels across the affected areas and issue further updates where necessary.
The agency urged stakeholders and members of the public to remain vigilant, take necessary precautions and rely on official NiHSA advisories for timely and accurate flood information.
