The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued a Medium Flood Risk Advisory for 17 states across the country, warning of imminent localised flooding along major river channels and floodplains between July 21 and July 27, 2026.

Contained in the agency’s National Flood Advisory (Alert No.: NFA-2026-200) released yesterday, the warning followed the rising water levels recorded at several hydrological monitoring stations nationwide.

The Director-General of NIHSA, Umar Mohammed, said that data from the agency’s hydrological monitoring network showed that river levels at key stations had exceeded watch and warning thresholds, increasing the likelihood of localised flooding in vulnerable communities.

According to him, river stages at Saminara on the Karam River, Waya Dam Site on the Waya River, and Amber on the Amber River have risen above critical levels, while 16 gauging stations across the national hydrometric network are currently recording elevated water levels.

“With 16 gauging stations showing elevated stages, communities along the primary channels face imminent localised flooding,” he warned.

“We strongly advise state governments, local authorities, and residents on floodplains to act immediately through proactive risk management, timely evacuation and coordinated emergency response.”

The advisory identified Bauchi, Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau and Benue as being under medium flood risk, with 11 other states also expected to experience varying degrees of flooding during the seven-day forecast period.

In Bauchi State, about 1,841 communities, 145 schools, 101 health facilities, and eight markets are identified as vulnerable to flood impacts.

For Edo State, the agency listed 148 communities, 131 schools, 123 health facilities, four markets, seven religious centres, and seven hectares of farmlands as areas at risk.

In Imo State, the advisory indicated that 415 communities, 423 schools, 198 health facilities, 49 markets, 111 religious centres, and 75 hectares of farmland could be affected.

Similarly, Kaduna State has 168 communities, 16 schools, three health facilities, and three religious centres within vulnerable areas, while Plateau State faces possible flooding in 205 communities, 137 schools, 44 health facilities, 16 markets, 81 religious centres, and 64 hectares of farmland.

In Benue State, the forecast identified five communities, eight schools, two health facilities, and four religious centres as being exposed to possible flooding.

To mitigate potential loss of lives and property, NIHSA directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), local council authorities and community leaders to activate emergency preparedness measures immediately.

Among others, it also recommended the immediate evacuation of residents, livestock and household valuables from flood-prone areas to designated safe shelters, pre-positioning of relief materials such as food, potable water, medical supplies and water-treatment equipment, and activation of community-based early warning systems.