RismadarVoice Reporters
September 22, 2026
More than 8,000 communities and 4,500 schools across 15 states have been identified as being at risk of flooding between September 19 and 25, the Federal Government has warned.
The warning was contained in the latest National Flood Advisory issued by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, which cautioned that rising river levels could lead to flooding in vulnerable areas.
According to the advisory, schools, healthcare facilities, markets, religious centres and farmlands in several communities could be affected by the expected rise in water levels.
The advisory was issued on Saturday by NiHSA Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Arch Umar Mohammed.
The states listed as being at risk are Imo, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Enugu, Bayelsa, Kogi, Abia, Taraba, Rivers and Lagos.
Mohammed urged state governments to take urgent steps to protect residents in vulnerable communities, including relocating those living in high-risk areas to safer locations.
He said communities situated on floodplains should be prepared to move to higher ground as river levels rise.
“High riverine flood risk is forecast for the next seven days across Imo, Cross River and 13 other states.
“Rising river stages are expected to cause flooding. Communities on the floodplain should prepare to move to higher ground,” he said.
The agency also identified specific locations along the Cross River, including Obubra, Itigidi and Epento, where rising water levels could pose a significant threat.
In Imo State, Aboh-Mbaise, Ahiazu-Mbaise, Ehime Mbano, Ezinihitte, Ideato North, Ihitte/Uboma and Ikeduru Local Government Areas were listed among the areas at risk.
NiHSA said 958 communities, 1,022 schools, 553 healthcare facilities, 161 markets and 198 religious buildings in the state were exposed to the flood threat.
In Cross River State, the affected LGAs include Abi, Akamkpa, Akpabuyo, Biase, Calabar, Calabar South, Ikom and Obubra.
The agency identified 2,471 communities, 703 schools, 344 healthcare facilities, 145 markets, 453 religious buildings and 854 hectares of farmland as being exposed to the risk.
In Ebonyi State, Abakaliki, Afikpo, Afikpo South, Ebonyi, Ezza North and Ezza South were listed as vulnerable.
NiHSA said the areas contain 2,574 communities, 1,064 schools, 422 healthcare facilities, 480 markets, 629 religious buildings and 1,882 hectares of farmland exposed to possible flooding.
In Benue State, Buruku, Gboko, Guma, Katsina-Ala, Logo and Ukum LGAs were identified as vulnerable, with 303 communities, 100 schools, 48 healthcare facilities, 32 markets, 151 religious buildings and 55 hectares of farmland at risk.
The agency also listed Aguata, Anambra East, Anambra West, Anaocha, Awka North, Awka South and Ayamelum LGAs in Anambra State among the affected areas.
It estimated that 1,314 communities, 1,308 schools, 1,089 healthcare facilities, 280 markets, 610 religious buildings and 1,529 hectares of farmland could be affected.
In Akwa Ibom State, Abak, Eket, Etinan, Ibeno, Ibesikpo Asutan, Ibiono Ibom, Ika and Ikono LGAs were identified as vulnerable.
According to NiHSA, 249 communities, 323 schools, 211 healthcare facilities, 74 markets and 289 religious buildings were exposed to the flood risk in the state.
The agency urged residents of flood-prone communities, especially those living on floodplains, to remain vigilant, take necessary precautions and relocate to safer, higher ground where required.
