By Emmanuel Enietan
THE Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued a seven-day flood alert for 17 states, warning that rising river levels and sustained rainfall could trigger flooding in vulnerable communities across the country.
The agency said the alert followed its latest hydrological assessment, which showed increasing water levels in major rivers and tributaries, raising the risk of riverine flooding in several parts of the country.
According to NIHSA, states expected to experience varying degrees of flood risk include Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Kogi, Niger, Kwara, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Rivers and Bayelsa.
The agency explained that communities located along the banks of the Rivers Niger and Benue, as well as other major waterways, are particularly vulnerable as continued rainfall could lead to the overflow of rivers into adjoining settlements and farmlands.
NIHSA urged state governments, emergency management agencies and residents in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to minimise the impact of possible flooding.
It advised residents to monitor official weather and flood forecasts, avoid activities around swollen rivers and drainage channels, and relocate to safer grounds where necessary.
The agency also called on local authorities to clear blocked drainage systems, sensitise residents on flood preparedness and activate emergency response plans to reduce the risk to lives and property.
The warning comes as Nigeria enters the peak of its rainy season, a period that has historically witnessed severe flooding in several states, leading to the destruction of homes, critical infrastructure and agricultural land.
Experts have repeatedly stressed the need for stronger flood mitigation measures, including improved urban drainage systems, effective land-use planning and stricter enforcement against indiscriminate waste disposal that blocks waterways.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and state emergency agencies have also been urged to pre-position relief materials and strengthen coordination with local communities to ensure timely response should flooding occur.
NIHSA reiterated that it would continue to monitor river basins across the country and provide regular updates to enable governments, businesses and residents to make informed decisions as weather conditions evolve over the coming days.
