By Iroyin Yoruba Television News Desk
More than 8,000 communities and 4,500 schools across 15 states have been identified as being at risk of flooding during the current seven-day warning period, prompting the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency to call for urgent preventive action in vulnerable areas.
The warning covers the period from September 19 to September 25, 2026, at a time when several parts of Nigeria are still experiencing significant rainfall and rising water levels.
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) said rising river stages could trigger flooding in vulnerable communities, particularly areas located on floodplains and close to rivers.
The agency identified Imo, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Enugu, Bayelsa, Kogi, Abia, Taraba, Rivers and Lagos as the states covered by the latest advisory.
NiHSA Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Arch Umar Mohammed, urged state governments and other authorities to take early action rather than wait until flooding begins before attempting to evacuate residents.
The agency specifically advised communities located on floodplains to prepare to move to higher ground where necessary.
The warning extends beyond residential areas.
According to the advisory, schools, healthcare facilities, markets, religious buildings and farmlands are among the assets exposed to potential flooding.
The latest warning therefore has implications for education, healthcare, agriculture, transportation, local commerce and emergency management.
WHY THE WARNING WAS ISSUED
NiHSA's latest advisory is based on expected river behaviour during the seven-day period.
The agency warned that rising river levels could lead to riverine flooding in vulnerable areas.
Riverine flooding occurs when rivers, streams or other watercourses rise beyond their normal levels and overflow onto surrounding land.
Such flooding can develop differently from flash flooding caused by sudden intense rainfall.
A community may experience flooding even when rainfall at the location itself is not exceptionally heavy if water levels upstream increase and eventually move downstream.
This makes river monitoring particularly important.
NiHSA identified several monitoring stations where rising river levels could have implications for surrounding communities.
Among the stations specifically mentioned were Obubra, Itigidi and Epento on the Cross River.
The agency's warning means that residents in vulnerable locations need to pay attention not only to rainfall but also to official information about river levels and evacuation instructions.
15 STATES COVERED BY THE ADVISORY
The states identified in the warning stretch across several parts of southern and central Nigeria.
They include Imo, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Enugu, Bayelsa, Kogi, Abia, Taraba, Rivers and Lagos.
The geographic spread shows that the risk is not confined to one river basin or one part of the country.
Some of the affected areas are communities with extensive river networks, while others contain low-lying urban and rural locations vulnerable to drainage problems and overflowing waterways.
The individual exposure figures also differ significantly from state to state.
NiHSA's assessment provides more detailed information for some of the states, including the number of communities, schools, health facilities, markets, religious buildings and farmland that could be exposed.
CROSS RIVER AMONG AREAS OF MAJOR CONCERN
Cross River State has been identified as one of the areas with significant exposure.
The affected local government areas include Abi, Akamkpa, Akpabuyo, Biase, Calabar, Calabar South, Ikom and Obubra.
NiHSA identified 2,471 communities in the state as exposed to the flood risk.
The assessment also includes 703 schools, 344 healthcare facilities, 145 markets and 453 religious buildings.
In addition, approximately 854 hectares of farmland were identified as exposed.
The presence of major river systems makes monitoring especially important in Cross River.
NiHSA specifically referred to river monitoring stations at Obubra, Itigidi and Epento.
Communities around these areas are therefore expected to pay close attention to changes in river levels and official emergency warnings.
For households located close to waterways, early preparation can reduce the risk associated with evacuation during rapidly changing conditions.
EBONYI RECORDS LARGE EXPOSURE
Ebonyi State is another major area identified in the advisory.
The affected local government areas include Abakaliki, Afikpo, Afikpo South, Ebonyi, Ezza North and Ezza South.
NiHSA estimated that 2,574 communities in the state are exposed.
The agency also identified 1,064 schools, 422 healthcare facilities, 480 markets and 629 religious buildings.
Approximately 1,882 hectares of farmland are also within the identified exposure area.
The figures show why flood preparedness cannot focus exclusively on houses.
A flood affecting schools can disrupt education.
Flooding around healthcare facilities can make medical treatment more difficult at precisely the time when communities may need additional health services.
Markets can also become inaccessible, affecting the supply and distribution of food and other essential goods.
Farmland losses can affect both household income and local food availability.
ANAMBRA'S SCHOOL EXPOSURE
Anambra State also features prominently in the advisory.
The identified local government areas are Aguata, Anambra East, Anambra West, Anaocha, Awka North, Awka South and Ayamelum.
NiHSA identified 1,314 communities as exposed.
The number of schools listed is particularly notable, with 1,308 schools included in the exposure assessment.
The state also has 1,089 healthcare facilities, 280 markets and 610 religious buildings within the identified risk areas.
About 1,529 hectares of farmland are also exposed.
The school figure highlights the potential effect of flooding on the academic calendar.
When roads become flooded, students and teachers may be unable to reach schools.
Where school buildings themselves are affected, classes may have to be suspended or relocated.
In severe cases, schools may also become temporary shelters for displaced residents, further affecting educational activities.
IMO STATE
In Imo State, NiHSA identified Aboh-Mbaise, Ahiazu-Mbaise, Ehime Mbano, Ezinihitte, Ideato North, Ihitte/Uboma and Ikeduru as vulnerable local government areas.
The agency listed 958 communities as exposed.
The assessment also includes 1,022 schools, 553 healthcare facilities, 161 markets and 198 religious buildings.
The figures indicate that flood preparedness in Imo needs to involve multiple sectors.
Local authorities need to consider evacuation routes, access to healthcare, school continuity, market accessibility and protection of vulnerable households.
The warning period also means that preventive decisions need to be made quickly.
Waiting until floodwater enters communities can make evacuation considerably more difficult.
BENUE STATE
Benue State has also been included in the advisory.
The affected local government areas are Buruku, Gboko, Guma, Katsina-Ala, Logo and Ukum.
NiHSA identified 303 communities, 100 schools, 48 healthcare facilities, 32 markets and 151 religious buildings as exposed.
Approximately 55 hectares of farmland were also identified.
Benue is widely associated with agricultural production, meaning flooding can have consequences beyond the immediate displacement of residents.
Flooding can damage crops, wash away soil, interrupt transportation and restrict farmers' access to markets.
If agricultural roads become impassable, farmers may find it difficult to move harvested produce.
Where crops are destroyed before harvest, households can face income losses while local food supply may also be affected.
AKWA IBOM
Akwa Ibom is another state identified by NiHSA.
The affected areas include Abak, Eket, Etinan, Ibeno, Ibesikpo Asutan, Ibiono Ibom, Ika and Ikono local government areas.
The agency identified 249 communities as exposed, along with 323 schools, 211 healthcare facilities, 74 markets and 289 religious buildings.
The relatively smaller number of communities listed does not mean that preparedness is unnecessary.
Flood impacts can be severe even when the number of affected locations is limited.
A single flooded road can isolate communities from hospitals, schools or markets.
THE EFFECT ON SCHOOLS
The identification of more than 4,500 schools across the affected states has created an important education concern.
Flooding can affect schools in several ways.
The first is direct physical damage.
Floodwater can enter classrooms, dormitories, laboratories, libraries and administrative buildings.
Furniture, books, computers and other educational materials can be damaged.
The second problem is accessibility.
Even if a school building remains dry, roads leading to the institution may become flooded.
Students may be unable to travel safely.
Teachers can face the same problem.
The third issue involves sanitation.
Floodwater can contaminate water sources and create unhealthy conditions around school compounds.
Where sanitation facilities are damaged or overwhelmed, the risk of disease can increase.
The fourth issue is displacement.
In some emergencies, schools may be used as temporary shelters for displaced residents.
Although this can provide an important humanitarian function, it can also interrupt education.
HEALTHCARE FACILITIES ARE ALSO EXPOSED
NiHSA's assessment identifies healthcare facilities among the infrastructure at risk.
Flooding can interfere with healthcare delivery even when a facility itself is not severely damaged.
Patients may be unable to reach hospitals or clinics.
Medical workers may also experience difficulties travelling to work.
Ambulances can face blocked or flooded roads.
Electricity and water supplies can also be disrupted.
For communities already dealing with displacement, access to healthcare becomes particularly important.
Flood emergencies can increase demand for medical services because of injuries, contaminated water, sanitation problems and other conditions associated with displacement.
This makes it important for health authorities to identify alternative access routes and maintain emergency communication systems.
MARKETS AND FOOD SUPPLY
Markets are also among the facilities identified in the flood-risk assessment.
A flooded market can disrupt local trade.
Traders may be unable to open their stalls, while customers may be unable to reach the market.
Food deliveries can also be delayed if roads are flooded.
For perishable agricultural products, delays can result in spoilage.
This can cause losses for farmers and traders simultaneously.
The effect can extend beyond the affected community if the market is an important distribution point.
State emergency agencies and local authorities therefore need to consider food supply as part of flood preparedness.
FARMLAND AT RISK
Agricultural land is another major concern.
Flooding can damage crops, erode soil and destroy farm infrastructure.
The impact depends on the duration and depth of flooding as well as the stage of crop development.
Some crops may survive temporary waterlogging, while prolonged inundation can cause severe losses.
Floodwater can also damage storage facilities and farm equipment.
For farmers, the consequences can continue after the water recedes.
Fields may require rehabilitation before they can be cultivated again.
Roads connecting farms to markets can remain damaged.
Farmers may also face additional costs for seeds and other inputs if crops have to be replanted.
THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY EVACUATION
NiHSA's advice to move vulnerable residents to higher ground is based on the principle of early action.
Evacuation becomes more difficult after roads are submerged.
Vehicles may be unable to reach affected communities.
Children, older people and people with disabilities may require additional assistance.
Livestock and essential household belongings also take time to move.
Early evacuation allows authorities to organise transport and temporary accommodation before conditions deteriorate.
It also reduces the pressure on emergency responders.
Residents should therefore follow instructions from recognised emergency authorities rather than waiting for floodwater to reach their homes.
COMMUNITY LEADERS HAVE A ROLE
Traditional rulers, community leaders, religious organisations and local associations can play an important role during flood emergencies.
They often have direct access to residents and can communicate warnings quickly.
Community leaders can help identify vulnerable households.
They can also help authorities understand local evacuation routes and locations that may be suitable as temporary shelters.
Religious organisations can provide additional community support.
Local volunteers may assist with moving people and belongings when authorities issue evacuation instructions.
The effectiveness of an early-warning system depends partly on how quickly information reaches the people most at risk.
WHAT RESIDENTS IN FLOOD-PRONE AREAS SHOULD DO
Residents living in vulnerable locations should pay close attention to official warnings during the advisory period.
Important preparations include identifying higher ground and safe evacuation routes.
Families should keep important documents protected from water.
Essential medicines and emergency supplies should be kept in accessible waterproof packaging where possible.
Residents should also avoid unnecessary movement through flooded roads.
Driving into floodwater can be dangerous because the depth and condition of the road may be difficult to determine.
Fast-moving water can also move vehicles or hide open drains and damaged road surfaces.
Children should not be allowed to play near flooded rivers, drainage channels or other moving water.
ELECTRICITY DANGERS
Floodwater can also create electrical hazards.
Where water reaches electrical installations, residents should avoid contact with exposed wires or electrical equipment.
Flooded buildings should not be re-entered casually if there is a possibility of electrical damage.
Power should only be restored or electrical systems inspected by qualified personnel after the relevant safety checks.
This is especially important because floodwater can conceal damaged cables.
The combination of water and electricity can create serious risks even after rainfall has stopped.
DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION
Flooding can affect water quality.
Water sources may become contaminated by sewage, waste or other pollutants.
Residents should follow official guidance concerning drinking water.
Where authorities advise treatment or alternative water supplies, households should follow those instructions.
Food should also be protected from contaminated floodwater.
Floodwater should not be assumed to be clean simply because it appears clear.
CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE PEOPLE
Children are particularly vulnerable during flood emergencies.
They may not understand the dangers associated with moving water.
Parents and guardians should keep children away from rivers, drainage channels and flooded roads.
Older people and individuals with disabilities may also require additional assistance during evacuation.
Authorities and community leaders should identify these households in advance.
Pregnant women and people with chronic medical needs may also require priority consideration when evacuation plans are developed.
PROTECTING LIVESTOCK
In rural communities, livestock can represent a significant portion of household wealth.
Cattle, goats, sheep, poultry and other animals can be lost during flooding if they are left in vulnerable locations.
Farmers in flood-prone areas should identify higher ground where livestock can be moved.
Animal feed should also be protected from water damage.
Where large-scale evacuation becomes necessary, livestock management needs to be incorporated into local emergency plans.
TRANSPORTATION CHALLENGES
Flooding can quickly disrupt transportation.
Roads may become impassable, while bridges and culverts can be damaged by high water.
Public transport operators may be forced to change routes.
This can affect workers, students, traders and emergency responders.
For communities dependent on a small number of roads, flooding can result in isolation.
State governments should therefore identify alternative routes where possible and prioritise the protection of critical transport links.
WHY URBAN AREAS CAN ALSO FLOOD
Flood risk is not limited to rural river communities.
Urban areas can experience flooding when drainage systems cannot handle the volume of water.
Blocked drains, inadequate drainage capacity, construction on natural waterways and intense rainfall can all contribute to urban flooding.
Lagos, which is included in the latest advisory, illustrates why urban flood preparedness remains important.
Even where major rivers are not immediately adjacent to a neighbourhood, heavy rainfall can overwhelm drainage systems.
Residents should therefore pay attention to local flood warnings even when they do not live directly beside a river.
LAGOS AND URBAN FLOOD PREPAREDNESS
Lagos is one of the 15 states included in the current warning.
The state's dense population and extensive road network mean that flooding can quickly affect large numbers of people.
Flooded roads can disrupt commuting and commercial activity.
Low-lying areas may experience water accumulation after heavy rainfall.
The interaction between rainfall, drainage capacity, tidal conditions and waterways can affect flood patterns.
Residents should therefore use official warnings to plan journeys and avoid unnecessary travel during severe rainfall.
RIVER MONITORING
Monitoring river levels is a central part of flood forecasting.
When water levels rise, authorities can issue warnings before communities are fully inundated.
The usefulness of the system depends on accurate measurements, timely analysis and rapid communication.
Residents also need to understand what warnings mean.
A flood advisory does not necessarily mean that every community listed will be flooded.
It means that conditions create a significant risk in identified areas and that residents and authorities should take preventive measures.
This distinction is important because preparedness should not depend on waiting for visible floodwater.
STATE GOVERNMENTS UNDER PRESSURE TO ACT
NiHSA has called on affected state governments to urgently relocate residents in vulnerable communities where necessary.
State authorities are also responsible for coordinating with local emergency agencies.
This may involve identifying shelters, arranging transport, protecting critical infrastructure and communicating with residents.
Local governments have an important role because they are closer to affected communities.
The response is likely to be most effective where state and local authorities work with traditional leaders, community organisations and emergency responders.
THE ROLE OF EMERGENCY AGENCIES
Emergency agencies need to prepare for possible rescue and relief operations.
Equipment such as boats, life jackets, emergency communication systems and medical supplies may be required in areas where flooding becomes severe.
Emergency shelters should have adequate sanitation and access to clean water.
Authorities also need systems for registering displaced people and identifying missing persons.
The quality of preparation can determine how quickly assistance reaches affected communities.
FLOODING AND PUBLIC HEALTH
Flood emergencies can create public-health risks.
Standing water can contribute to the spread of some diseases and increase exposure to mosquitoes.
Contaminated water can also create gastrointestinal and other health problems.
Crowded temporary shelters can create additional health challenges if sanitation is inadequate.
Public-health authorities therefore need to include disease prevention and hygiene education in emergency response.
Safe water, sanitation and waste management are particularly important in temporary shelters.
ECONOMIC COSTS OF FLOODING
Flooding can produce economic losses at household, community and state levels.
Households can lose homes, furniture, vehicles and personal belongings.
Farmers can lose crops and livestock.
Businesses can lose stock and equipment.
Governments may have to spend additional money repairing roads, bridges, schools and healthcare facilities.
The economic impact can continue long after floodwater disappears.
Reconstruction can take months.
For this reason, preventive investment can be less disruptive than responding only after damage occurs.
THE SEPTEMBER TIMING
The current advisory is particularly significant because it covers the period from September 19 to September 25.
That means communities are already within the warning window.
The appropriate response is therefore immediate monitoring and preparation.
Residents should not interpret the warning as a prediction that every listed location will flood.
Instead, it identifies areas where conditions create an elevated risk.
Authorities have been urged to act before the situation deteriorates.
WHAT COULD HAPPEN IF RIVERS CONTINUE TO RISE
If river levels continue rising, low-lying communities may experience inundation.
The depth and duration of flooding will vary from one location to another.
Some areas could experience temporary waterlogging, while others could face deeper and longer-lasting flooding.
The effects will depend on rainfall, upstream water levels, drainage conditions, topography and the capacity of local waterways.
That is why continuous monitoring is necessary throughout the forecast period.
THE NEED FOR CLEAR PUBLIC COMMUNICATION
Emergency information must be communicated clearly.
Residents need to know what areas are affected, what actions they should take and where they should go if evacuation becomes necessary.
Messages should be understandable and available through multiple channels.
Radio remains important in many communities.
Local leaders, churches, mosques, community associations and social-media platforms can also help distribute warnings.
The use of local languages can improve understanding among residents who may not follow official announcements in English.
FLOOD WARNING IS NOT A REASON FOR PANIC
The advisory is a call for preparedness rather than panic.
Flood warnings allow people to make decisions before conditions become dangerous.
Residents should rely on official information rather than unverified social-media messages.
False reports can create unnecessary fear or cause people to evacuate from areas that are not affected.
At the same time, residents should not ignore credible warnings simply because flooding has not yet occurred.
The purpose of early warning is precisely to provide time for preventive action.
LONGER-TERM FLOOD MANAGEMENT
Beyond the immediate September warning, Nigeria faces the broader challenge of managing recurrent flooding.
Long-term measures can include improved drainage systems, protection of wetlands and floodplains, better urban planning, maintenance of waterways and stronger early-warning systems.
Communities can also benefit from flood-resistant infrastructure.
Buildings in vulnerable areas may require designs that take flood exposure into account.
Agricultural planning can also incorporate information about flood-prone areas.
The recurring nature of flood risk means that emergency response alone is not enough.
THE IMPORTANCE OF FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
Floodplains naturally provide space for rivers to expand during periods of high water.
Development in these areas can increase exposure to flooding.
Where communities already exist in flood-prone locations, authorities may need to consider relocation or other risk-reduction measures.
NiHSA's recommendation that vulnerable communities prepare to move to higher ground reflects this principle.
Relocation, however, can be difficult because communities have homes, farms, businesses, schools and social networks tied to their locations.
Long-term flood planning therefore requires consultation with affected residents.
PROTECTING SCHOOLS BEFORE FLOODING
Schools identified as vulnerable can also undertake preventive measures.
Important documents and equipment can be moved to higher locations.
Electrical equipment can be protected.
Drainage around school compounds can be cleared where appropriate.
School administrators can establish communication plans with parents.
Where evacuation becomes necessary, education authorities can coordinate alternative arrangements.
These measures can reduce the disruption caused by flooding.
THE ROLE OF PARENTS
Parents should monitor school announcements during the warning period.
They should know whether their children's schools are in areas identified as vulnerable.
Parents of boarding students may need additional information if access roads become affected.
Families should also ensure that children understand basic flood safety.
Simple instructions, such as staying away from moving water and not walking through unknown flooded areas, can reduce risk.
COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS
Communities can prepare by identifying evacuation routes and safe gathering points.
They can establish systems for checking on vulnerable households.
Local volunteers can assist emergency authorities if evacuation becomes necessary.
Community-level preparation is particularly important in locations where emergency services may take time to arrive.
Early community action can therefore complement government response.
WHAT THE CURRENT WARNING MEANS FOR FARMERS
Farmers in exposed areas should monitor weather and flood information closely.
Where possible, farm equipment and harvested produce should be moved away from vulnerable locations.
Livestock should be moved to higher ground when necessary.
Farmers should also avoid attempting to cross dangerous waterways to reach farms during flooding.
The protection of human life should remain the priority.
THE NEXT SEVERAL DAYS ARE IMPORTANT
The current warning remains in force through September 25.
During this period, river levels and rainfall patterns will continue to determine the actual extent of flooding.
Residents should therefore treat official updates as an ongoing process rather than a single announcement.
Conditions can change quickly.
An area that is safe at one point can become dangerous later if river levels rise or heavy rainfall occurs upstream.
CONCLUSION
Nigeria is facing a significant flood-risk period, with the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency warning that more than 8,000 communities and 4,500 schools across 15 states are exposed to possible flooding between September 19 and September 25, 2026.
The states identified are Imo, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Enugu, Bayelsa, Kogi, Abia, Taraba, Rivers and Lagos.
NiHSA says rising river levels could trigger flooding in vulnerable areas, particularly communities located on floodplains.
The agency has urged state governments to take early action and relocate residents in vulnerable communities to safer locations where necessary.
The warning covers far more than residential properties.
Thousands of schools, healthcare facilities, markets, religious buildings and areas of farmland have been identified as exposed.
Cross River, Ebonyi, Anambra and Imo are among the states where NiHSA has provided detailed exposure figures showing the scale of the potential threat.
The implications for communities could include disruption to education, healthcare, transportation, agriculture and local commerce.
For farmers, flooding can damage crops, livestock and infrastructure.
For schools, it can interrupt classes and restrict access.
For healthcare facilities, it can make it more difficult for patients and workers to reach medical services.
For markets, flooding can interrupt the movement and sale of food and other essential goods.
The most important message from the latest advisory is the importance of early action.
Residents in vulnerable areas are being encouraged to monitor official information, identify safer locations and move to higher ground where necessary rather than waiting until floodwater becomes dangerous.
Community leaders, local governments and emergency agencies also have important roles in ensuring that warnings reach residents quickly.
Flood preparedness must also continue beyond the current seven-day advisory.
Nigeria's recurring flood challenges require long-term investment in drainage, river monitoring, floodplain management, emergency preparedness, resilient infrastructure and public awareness.
For now, however, the immediate focus is the September 19–25 warning period.
Residents in the 15 affected states should remain alert to updates from NiHSA and other recognised emergency authorities.
The warning does not mean that every listed community will necessarily be flooded.
It means that current hydrological conditions create a risk that requires preparation.
The ability of authorities and communities to act before water levels become dangerous could determine the scale of disruption and losses during the current flood-risk period.