In a renewed call for precautionary measures, the Director General of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, has urged citizens to heed the agency’s warnings and take immediate action to mitigate the devastating impact of flash flooding across the country.

Mohammed in a statement emphasised the critical importance of clearing drainages and gutters to facilitate water runoff.

He attributed the increasing number of flash floods to the persistent heavy rainfall, which has overwhelmed the nation’s drainage systems, causing widespread devastation.

The NIHSA chief stressed that the agency remains committed to its mandate of managing and developing the nation’s water resources, with continuous monitoring of water levels in major rivers and tributaries.

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“We are closely tracking the rise in water levels, especially along the Niger and Benue rivers, which have now reached alarming levels,” he said. “Flood warnings and alerts will continue to be issued, alongside flood predictions.”

Mohammed revealed that NIHSA is collaborating with emergency response agencies and the media to reduce the impact of flooding, safeguard lives, and protect property. This, he said, is part of efforts to enhance national resilience, food security, and the sustainable management of the country’s water resources.

As water levels along the rivers approach critical red marks, Mohammed advised citizens living near riverbanks to relocate to safer areas immediately to avoid loss of lives and properties.