FG Issues Fresh Flood Alert as 8,000 Communities, 4,500 Schools Face Risk

More than 8,000 communities and 4,500 schools across 15 states have been identified as being at risk of flooding between September 19 and 25, 2026, according to the latest National Flood Advisory issued by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency.

The agency warned that rising river levels could trigger flooding in vulnerable communities, potentially affecting schools, healthcare facilities, markets, religious buildings and farmlands.

The warning was contained in the National Flood Advisory issued on Saturday by the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Arch Umar Mohammed.

The states listed as being at risk are Imo, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Enugu, Bayelsa, Kogi, Abia, Taraba, Rivers and Lagos.

Mohammed said rising river levels were expected to cause flooding in several areas and urged state governments to take immediate precautionary measures, including relocating residents in highly vulnerable communities to safer locations.

He said, “High riverine flood risk is forecast for the next seven days across Imo, Cross River and 13 other states. Rising river stages are expected to cause flooding.”

The agency also advised communities located on floodplains to prepare for possible evacuation and move to higher ground when necessary.

In Imo State, the affected areas include Aboh-Mbaise, Ahiazu-Mbaise, Ehime Mbano, Ezinihitte, Ideato North, Ihitte/Uboma and Ikeduru Local Government Areas.

NiHSA identified 958 communities, 1,022 schools, 553 healthcare facilities, 161 markets and 198 religious buildings as being exposed to flood risks in the state.

In Cross River State, Abi, Akamkpa, Akpabuyo, Biase, Calabar, Calabar South, Ikom and Obubra LGAs were listed among the vulnerable areas.

The agency identified 2,471 communities, 703 schools, 344 healthcare facilities, 145 markets, 453 religious buildings and 854 hectares of farmland as being exposed in the state.

In Ebonyi State, Abakaliki, Afikpo, Afikpo South, Ebonyi, Ezza North and Ezza South LGAs were identified as vulnerable to flooding.
According to the advisory, 2,574 communities, 1,064 schools, 422 healthcare facilities, 480 markets, 629 religious buildings and 1,882 hectares of farmland are exposed to the risk in the state.

In Benue State, Buruku, Gboko, Guma, Katsina-Ala, Logo and Ukum LGAs were listed as affected areas.

The agency said 303 communities, 100 schools, 48 healthcare facilities, 32 markets, 151 religious buildings and 55 hectares of farmland were exposed.

In Anambra State, Aguata, Anambra East, Anambra West, Anaocha, Awka North, Awka South and Ayamelum LGAs were identified as vulnerable.

NiHSA listed 1,314 communities, 1,308 schools, 1,089 healthcare facilities, 280 markets, 610 religious buildings and 1,529 hectares of farmland as exposed to the flood risk.

In Akwa Ibom State, the affected LGAs include Abak, Eket, Etinan, Ibeno, Ibesikpo Asutan, Ibiono Ibom, Ika and Ikono.

The agency identified 249 communities, 323 schools, 211 healthcare facilities, 74 markets and 289 religious buildings as being exposed in the state.

NiHSA urged residents in flood-prone areas, particularly those living on floodplains and near rivers, to remain alert and take necessary precautions.

It advised communities facing imminent flooding to relocate to safer and higher ground, while urging relevant authorities to intensify preparedness and response measures during the period covered by the advisory.

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