The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), has warned that not less than 19 States across the country may experience flash flooding this year.
NiMet said in an advisory issued on Thursday, that increased surface run-off and flash flooding could occur during heavy early rains due to dry and hardened soils that prevent water from properly soaking into the ground.
The agency listed the States likely to be affected as Zamfara, Nasarawa, Kwara, Oyo, Lagos, Ogun. Others are Ekiti, Delta, Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Akwa-Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Edo, Ondo, and Bayelsa.
The possible impacts, NiMet said, included flooded roads, traffic disruption, damage to homes, farmlands and infrastructure, blocked drainage systems, power outages, telecommunication disruptions, and increased risks of injuries and water-borne diseases.
The agency advised residents to clear blocked drainages and stay updated with weather and flood alerts, further cautioning motorists and pedestrians against driving or walking through flooded areas.
NiMet asked relevant authorities and stakeholders to strengthen coordination, preparedness, and emergency response measures to reduce flood-related risks.
Read the advisory: “An informed community is a prepared community. Know the risks and act early”.
The Federal Government had warned that 14,118 communities in 33 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were at risk of severe flooding in 2026.
The States include Abia, Adamawa, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna and Kano.
Others are Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe Zamfara Stayes and the FCT.
