By Divine Perezide

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has cautioned that flooding in several parts of the country is expected to continue over the coming months, warning that the situation could become more severe before the rainy season begins to ease.

According to the agency’s Director-General, Umar Mohammed, the current flooding aligns with earlier forecasts issued by NiHSA. He explained that rainfall and flood incidents are likely to intensify between August and September if preventive measures are not urgently implemented.

Speaking through the Head of the agency’s Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing Department, Emmanuel Tuna, Mohammed noted that the flooding now affecting communities across the country was anticipated long before the rains intensified. He stressed that the present situation marks only the early phase of the peak rainy season, with heavier flooding still expected in the weeks ahead.

Beyond damage to homes, roads and infrastructure, the agency expressed concern over the possible contamination of drinking water. Mohammed disclosed that NiHSA had already conducted baseline assessments of borehole water quality before the floods and plans to carry out additional tests after the floodwaters subside to determine the extent and source of pollution.

He identified Lagos as one of the states facing the highest flood risk because it is vulnerable to urban, riverine and coastal flooding. He added that blocked drainage channels, silted waterways and the state’s low-lying terrain have worsened the impact of heavy rainfall, while rising river levels have further increased the threat.

Mohammed said flooding is expected to occur intermittently from July through September, with rainfall gradually reducing in October. However, he noted that more stable conditions may not be experienced until around November.

The NiHSA chief also criticised the poor response of many state governments to the agency’s annual flood outlook and early warning advisories, saying official forecasts are often ignored until disasters occur. He urged authorities to take flood predictions more seriously and strengthen preparedness efforts to reduce the impact on lives and property.