The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has warned that more than 8,000 communities and 4,500 schools across 15 states are at risk of flooding between September 19 and 25.
The warning was contained in the agency’s latest National Flood Advisory issued on Saturday by its Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Arch Umar Mohammed.
The affected states are Imo, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Enugu, Bayelsa, Kogi, Abia, Taraba, Rivers and Lagos.
NiHSA said rising river levels could trigger flooding in vulnerable communities, potentially affecting schools, healthcare facilities, markets, religious buildings and farmlands.
Mohammed urged state governments to urgently relocate residents in high-risk communities to safer locations, particularly those living on floodplains.
“High riverine flood risk is forecast for the next seven days across Imo, Cross River and 13 other states,” he said.
In Imo State, NiHSA identified seven local government areas as vulnerable, with 958 communities, 1,022 schools, 553 healthcare facilities, 161 markets and 198 religious buildings exposed to the risk.
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Cross River has eight affected LGAs, with 2,471 communities, 703 schools, 344 healthcare facilities, 145 markets, 453 religious buildings and 854 hectares of farmland identified as vulnerable.
In Ebonyi, six LGAs were listed, with 2,574 communities, 1,064 schools, 422 healthcare facilities, 480 markets, 629 religious buildings and 1,882 hectares of farmland at risk.
The agency also identified six LGAs in Benue as vulnerable, with 303 communities, 100 schools, 48 healthcare facilities, 32 markets, 151 religious buildings and 55 hectares of farmland exposed.
In Anambra, seven LGAs were listed, with 1,314 communities, 1,308 schools, 1,089 healthcare facilities, 280 markets, 610 religious buildings and 1,529 hectares of farmland at risk.
Akwa Ibom has eight affected LGAs, where 249 communities, 323 schools, 211 healthcare facilities, 74 markets and 289 religious buildings were identified as vulnerable.
NiHSA urged residents in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant, take necessary precautions, and move to higher ground where necessary.
The agency also advised residents and relevant authorities to closely monitor flood alerts and take early action to minimise the impact of possible flooding.
