A fresh flood warning is in effect across much of Nigeria, with the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA), projecting a high risk of riverine flooding in 34 states between August 19 and 25.
The warning covers Kaduna, Niger and several other states, with the agency attributing the risk to rising river levels that could cause waterways to overflow and inundate surrounding communities.
NiHSA Director-General, Arc. Umar Mohammed, said communities located on floodplains should prepare to move to higher ground, while authorities are expected to activate early-warning and emergency response measures.
The agency is also calling for the clearing of blocked drainage channels and water outlets, as well as the movement of people, livestock and valuables away from vulnerable areas. Residents have been warned against crossing flooded roads, bridges and fast-moving water, either on foot or in vehicles.
The affected states include Kaduna, Niger, Taraba, Ondo, Oyo, Rivers, Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Lagos, Ogun, Osun and Plateau.
NiHSA says the latest forecast reinforces the need for communities and authorities to act before flooding occurs, particularly in areas located along rivers and floodplains.
The agency has urged residents to remain alert, keep waterways free from obstruction and rely on official bulletins for updates throughout the forecast period.
