Lucky Obukohwo Reporting
The Federal Government has placed 27 states on red alert over an imminent flood threat, urging residents in vulnerable communities to relocate immediately to higher ground as river levels continue to rise across the country.
The government warned that severe flooding could occur between July 30 and August 5, following updated hydrological forecasts that indicate heightened flood risks in several parts of the country.
The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, issued the alert yesterday, revealing that 53 major river monitoring stations nationwide are under close surveillance.
He said critical flashpoints, including the Katsina Ala River, Aye River at Itoikin and the River Niger at Onitsha, have recorded rising water levels, raising concerns over possible flooding.
According to him, Niger, Kaduna, Kwara, Delta, Kogi, and Edo States are among those at high risk of severe flooding while 21 other states are also on alert.
Mohammed warned that, without urgent preventive action, floodwaters could inundate homes, schools, hospitals, markets, places of worship, and thousands of hectares of farmland.
He called on state governments, local government authorities, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), traditional rulers, and community leaders to immediately activate emergency preparedness and response measures.
The NIHSA boss also advised residents of flood-prone areas to relocate where necessary, adhere strictly to official flood advisories, stock essential emergency supplies, identify evacuation centres, clear blocked drainage systems, and avoid driving or walking through flooded roads and fast-moving waters.
“Early warning and collective preparedness remain our strongest tools against flooding.”
Mohammed assured Nigerians that NIHSA will continue to monitor river levels nationwide and provide timely forecasts and early warning information to protect lives, livelihoods and property.
