…the heavy rainfall and potential flooding are expected between August 5 and August 9, 2025.
ABUJA, NIGERIA – The iNews Times| The Federal Government has issued a nationwide flood alert, forecasting heavy rainfall over a five-day period that may trigger flooding in 19 states and 76 high-risk locations across Nigeria.
This warning was released on Tuesday by the National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre (FEWS) under the Federal Ministry of Environment, following devastating flood incidents reported in parts of Ogun and Gombe States, which left properties submerged and residents displaced.
According to the FEWS Centre, the torrential downpours are expected to occur from Monday, August 5 to Friday, August 9, 2025, with the potential to cause serious flooding, destruction of farmlands, infrastructure damage, and disruption to livelihoods if urgent preventive measures are not taken.
The alert identifies 76 specific towns and communities across 19 states that are particularly vulnerable during this period, urging residents, local governments, and disaster management agencies to activate early response strategies, clear drainage systems, and remain on high alert.
Among the high-risk states are:
Akwa Ibom (Edor, Eket, Ikom, Oron, Upenekang)
Bauchi (Tafawa-Balewa, Azare, Jama’are, Kari, Misau, Jama’a)
Ebonyi (Abakaliki, Echara, Ezilo)
Cross River (Ogoja, Edor, Obubra)
Nasarawa (Keana, Keffi, Wamba)
Benue (Agaku, Buruku, Gboko, Igumale, Ito, Katsina-Ala, Ugba, Vande-Ikya)
Kaduna (Jaji, Kafancha, Birnin-Gwari, Zaria)
Katsina (Bindawa, Bakori, Daura, Funtua)
Kebbi (Bagudo, Birnin-Kebbi, Bunza, Gwandu, Jega, Kalgo, Kamba, Kangiwa, Shanga, Ribah, Sakaba, Saminaka, Yelwa, Gauri-Banza)
Kano (Bebeji, Gezawa, Gwarzo, Kano, Karaye, Tundun-wada, Wudil, Kunchi)
Niger (Kontagora, Rijau, Ringim)
Plateau (Mangu)
Taraba (Donga, Takum)
Jigawa (Diginsa, Gumel, Dutse, Gwaram, Hadejia, Miga)
Yobe (Machina, Potiskum)
Zamfara (Anka)
Sokoto (Sokoto, Wamakko)
Borno (Biu)
Gombe (Bajoga)
The centre expressed particular concern for urban flood-prone areas like Lagos, Anambra, and Delta, which have already begun experiencing the impacts of rising water levels and blocked drainages.
Emergency Response and Public Advice
Authorities are advising residents in flood-prone communities to evacuate low-lying areas, safeguard important documents, elevate valuables, and report unusual water levels to emergency hotlines. Farmers are also encouraged to protect their crops where possible or relocate livestock to higher ground.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to collaborating with NEMA, SEMA, and local government councils to deploy support where needed. However, it emphasized the importance of community-led preparedness, as climate change continues to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in Nigeria.
The warning comes amid growing concerns over the country’s climate vulnerability and the increasing toll of floods on agriculture, infrastructure, and human life.
In 2022 alone, over 600 people died and 1.4 million were displaced due to widespread flooding across several states. Experts warn that unless climate adaptation strategies and urban planning regulations are enforced, such devastating impacts may worsen in the years ahead.
The FEWS Centre says it will continue to monitor rainfall patterns and provide timely updates to avert disaster, but stressed that early action and vigilance at the local level remain key to saving lives and property.
