By staff Reporter Rukevwe Odeh

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has issued a high-risk flood warning covering 15 states, following forecasts of rising river levels and possible riverine flooding between September 19 and 25, 2026.

The affected states are Imo, Cross River, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Rivers, Edo, Kogi, Taraba, Delta, Bayelsa, Enugu and Abia.

The warning, contained in NiHSA’s National Flood Advisory and identified as NFA-2026-262, indicates that communities situated along floodplains could face increased exposure as water levels in several rivers continue to rise.

NiHSA Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Arch. Umar Mohammed, said nine river monitoring stations had been identified for close observation. Among the locations mentioned are Obubra, Itigidi and Epento along the Cross River.

The agency called on state and local governments, emergency management authorities, traditional rulers and community leaders to activate precautionary measures and prepare vulnerable communities for possible flooding.

Residents living in flood-prone areas were also advised to move people, livestock and valuable belongings to safer and higher locations where necessary.

NiHSA further urged communities to monitor official flood and river-level updates, activate local early-warning systems and avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges and fast-flowing waterways.

The agency also recommended that authorities prepare temporary shelters and make essential supplies, including drinking water, water-treatment materials, relief items and first-aid equipment, available in areas that could be affected.

According to NiHSA’s assessment, significant populations, public infrastructure and agricultural assets are exposed to flood risks across the affected states. In Cross River alone, the agency identified 2,471 communities, 703 schools, 344 healthcare facilities, 145 markets, 453 religious centres and 854 hectares of farmland within the identified exposure areas.

The agency said it would continue monitoring river levels and other hydrological conditions and issue further advisories as the situation develops.

NiHSA stressed that early preparedness and compliance with flood warnings would be important in reducing potential damage to lives, property and livelihoods.