ABUJA, Nigeria — The Federal Government has issued an urgent flood alert for 19 states and 76 specific locations expected to be impacted by heavy rainfall between Tuesday, August 5 and Saturday, August, 9, 2025.
The warning, announced by the National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre under the Federal Ministry of Environment, advised residents in the affected areas to brace for potential flash and riverine flooding and take immediate precautionary measures to safeguard lives and property.
States listed in the alert include: Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Ebonyi, Cross River, Nasarawa, Benue, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Kano, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Jigawa, Yobe, Zamfara, Sokoto, Borno, and Gombe.
Communities flagged for high risk include:
Eket, Oron, Tafawa-Balewa, Abakaliki, Ogoja, Keana, Gboko, Zaria, Daura, Birnin-Kebbi, Gwandu, Wudil, Kontagora, Mangu, Takum, Gumel, Potiskum, Anka, and Bajoga.
Flooding has become an annual emergency in Nigeria, displacing thousands, destroying infrastructure, and affecting food production.
In recent weeks, floods have already hit several areas in Lagos, Ogun, Plateau, Gombe, and Delta states.
Last week, the National Economic Council (NEC) approved the disbursement of intervention funds to help mitigate the anticipated flood impact. Each of Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) received ₦3 billion for preparedness and response efforts.
Additionally, ₦1.5 billion was allocated each to the Ministries of Budget and National Planning, Environment, and Water Resources and Sanitation.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) received ₦10 billion to coordinate national flood response activities and relief distribution.
Residents are urged to monitor official weather updates, avoid flood-prone areas, and cooperate with emergency agencies.
State governments and local authorities have been directed to activate response plans and deploy resources to vulnerable communities.
