The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a warning over the possibility of flash flooding in 19 states across the country as the rainy season intensifies.
In an advisory released on Thursday, the agency explained that heavy early rainfall could trigger flooding because dry and compacted soil may not absorb water effectively, which could lead to increased surface runoff.
NiMet identified the states at risk as Zamfara, Nasarawa, Kwara, Oyo, Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti, Delta, Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Edo, Ondo and Bayelsa.
The agency said residents in affected areas could face flooded roads, traffic delays, destruction of homes and farmlands, as well as damage to infrastructure. It also warned of blocked drainage channels, power outages, disruption of telecommunication services and a possible rise in injuries and water-borne diseases.
NiMet advised residents to clear blocked drainage systems and pay attention to weather updates and flood alerts issued by authorities.
The agency also warned motorists and pedestrians against moving through flooded areas due to safety concerns.
It further urged government agencies and emergency responders to improve coordination and strengthen preparedness measures in order to minimise the impact of flooding.
“An informed community is a prepared community. Know the risks and act early,” the advisory reads.
The warning comes after the federal government announced that 14,118 communities across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory could experience severe flooding in 2026.
The states listed by the government include Abia, Adamawa, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara, alongside the FCT.
