FG Issues 15-Day Flood Alert for 198 LGAs Across 30 States, Warns of High Risk in Key Areas
FG Issues 15-Day Flood Alert for 198 LGAs Across 30 States, Warns of High Risk in Key Areas
The Federal Government, through the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA), has issued a 15-day flood alert affecting 198 local government areas across 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory, warning that residents in vulnerable regions may face displacement, property damage, and transportation disruptions.
The alert, which covers the period from August 7 to August 21, 2025, categorizes flood risk levels as very high, high, or moderate—depending on topography and anticipated rainfall intensity.
States flagged as facing very high flood risk include Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Delta, Gombe, Kebbi, Kogi, Lagos, Niger, Ogun, Rivers, Yobe, and Zamfara.
Others such as Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Cross River, Ebonyi, Edo, FCT, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kwara, Nasarawa, Ondo, Plateau, Sokoto, and Taraba are listed under high to moderate risk.
According to NiHSA, 832 communities across the affected states could experience varying degrees of flooding, potentially impacting over 100 major transport routes and threatening the safety of residents in low-lying areas.
The agency urged residents to remain alert, comply with early warning systems, and cooperate with emergency response teams. Communities were also advised to put evacuation plans in place and monitor NiHSA’s state-level weekly forecasts for location-specific updates.
“This alert is issued in line with our mandate to protect lives and property,” said Umar Mohammed, Director General of NiHSA. “We urge state governments, local authorities, and the public to take proactive steps to minimise the impacts.”
Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reports that flooding in 2025 has already claimed 191 lives, with 94 still missing. Niger State recorded the highest toll with 163 deaths, followed by Adamawa (26), and one death each in Borno and Gombe.
NEMA’s data shows that 134,435 people have been affected by flooding this year across 20 states and 47 LGAs. Over 48,000 individuals have been displaced, while 239 have sustained injuries. Nearly 9,500 homes and farmlands have been damaged or destroyed.
The 2024 flood season was even more devastating, with over 5.2 million people affected, 1.2 million displaced, and 1,237 lives lost—highlighting the urgency of this year’s flood preparedness measures.
