NIHSA places Lagos, Kano, 15 other states on medium flood alert, urges residents to relocate

Residents in vulnerable communities across 17 states, including Lagos, Anambra, Edo and Kano, have been placed on medium flood alert for the next seven days and advised to relocate from flood-prone areas and take precautionary measures against possible inundation, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has said.

According to the advisory released on Tuesday, the affected states are Abia, Anambra, Bauchi, Benue, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Lagos, Niger, Ondo, Plateau and Rivers.

NIHSA said localized inundation is expected along major river channels, with 16 hydrological stations identified as being at risk during the forecast period.

Among the critical stations highlighted are Saminara on the Karam River, Waya Dam Site on the Waya River and Amber on the Amber River.

The agency warned that thousands of communities, schools, health facilities, markets, religious centres and farmlands fall within the projected flood footprint, making the need for early preparedness imperative.

In Bauchi State alone, NIHSA said 1,841 communities, 145 schools and 101 health facilities across Bauchi, Gamawa, Ningi, Tafawa Balewa, Toro and Warji local government areas could be affected.

In Edo State, the agency identified 148 communities, 131 schools, 123 health facilities, four markets and seven farmlands in local government areas including Akoko-Edo, Egor, Etsako West, Ikpoba-Okha and Oredo as being at risk.

Similarly, Imo State has 415 vulnerable communities, 423 schools, 198 health facilities, 49 markets and 75 farmlands across several local government areas, including Ideato North, Ihitte/Uboma, Ikeduru, Mbaitoli, Ngor Okpala and Njaba.

The advisory also identified 168 communities in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State, while 205 communities, 137 schools, 44 health facilities and 64 farmlands in Kanam, Kanke and Langtang North local government areas of Plateau State are projected to face flood risk.

In Benue State, five communities and eight schools in Buruku and Katsina-Ala local government areas were listed among the locations requiring close monitoring.

NIHSA noted that detailed exposure levels, severity assessments and affected local government areas for other states are contained in their respective state flood reports.

The agency advised state governments, emergency management agencies and residents to monitor its daily flood bulletins, pre-position relief materials, water treatment and first-aid supplies, and identify safe shelters for vulnerable populations.

It also urged communities to mobilise local early warning volunteers, avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges or fast-flowing water, and relocate people, livestock and valuables from flood-prone areas to higher ground.

NIHSA further cautioned against building or residing on floodplains, stressing that proactive measures would help minimise the impact of flooding on lives and property.

The agency urged citizens to remain vigilant throughout the advisory period and comply with all recommended safety measures as rainfall intensifies across the country.