19 States  May Be Flooded In September NiHSHA Warns  – Independent Newspaper Nigeria

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Anthony Ufoh

According to the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA), 19 states have warned that 19 states may experience flooding in the month of September, especially between 1-25 of the month.  

Architect Umar Mohammed, in a signed statement made available to journalists, stated that the states vulnerable to the flood are: Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, FCT, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara respectively.

According to the DG, over 50 critical transport and infrastructures have been identified with possible disruption, and flood risk levels range from moderate to very high, with potential for river overbanking, flash flooding, and localised inundation in riverine and low-lying communities.

He said: “This alert is in line with projections made in the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) and is supported by real-time hydrometric observations, river-stage forecasts, and satellite flood mapping.

“Scope of Risk; States affected: Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, FCT, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara.
LGAs affected: 107; Communities at risk: 631
“Critical transport & infrastructure points: Over 50 identified with possible disruption.

“Flood risk levels range from moderate to very high, with potential for river overbanking, flash flooding, and localised inundation in riverine and low-lying communities.

“Expected Impacts: Possible disruption of major transportation routes, including highways and bridges.

“Threats to lives, livelihoods, property, agriculture, and public infrastructure.

“Increased risk of contaminated water sources and public health concerns in affected areas.”

Some of the recommendations made by the agency include: “NIHSA advises all relevant stakeholders to take urgent precautionary measures, including federal and state ministries, NEMA and SEMAs.