Umar Mohammed, Director-General, NiHSA
By TOSIN KOLADE
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has warned of possible flooding in 107 local government areas (LGAs) across 29 states and the FCT between September 1st and 15th.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the advisory issued on Monday in Abuja, is based on projections in the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO).
It is backed by real-time hydrometric readings, river-stage forecasts and satellite mapping.
According to the alert signed by the Director-General, Mr. Umar Mohammed, more than 631 communities and over 50 critical transport and infrastructure points are at risk.
The agency said the risk levels ranged from moderate to very high, with threats of river overbanking, flash floods and localized inundation in riverine and low-lying areas.
The states under watch include Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, and Ebonyi.
Others are, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara.
NiHSA said the floods could disrupt highways and bridges, threaten lives, livelihoods, agriculture and public infrastructure, and heighten risks of water contamination and disease outbreaks.
It urged federal and state emergency agencies to activate contingency plans, deploy response teams and pre-position relief materials.
Local governments and community leaders were advised to intensify sensitization campaigns, identify evacuation routes and prepare shelters for vulnerable residents.
“Communities and individuals should avoid flooded roads, move to higher ground where necessary, and follow official safety instructions.
“This alert is to safeguard lives and property, and we call for proactive measures across all levels,” Mohammed said.
NiHSA assured that it would continue to monitor the hydrological situation and provide timely updates through its official platforms. (NAN)
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