NiMet warns of flood risks as heavy rains loom in N’west, S’south

NiMet warns of flood risks as heavy rains loom in N’west, S’south

 

By Faridat Salifu

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a fresh warning on possible flooding, displacement, and damage to property as multiple states brace for intense rainfall over the next 72 hours.

According to its Impact-Based Weather Forecast bulletin released Monday, heavy downpours are expected to hit parts of Niger, Kebbi, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom states between Tuesday, July 22 and Thursday, July 24, 2025.

NiMet said the rainfall will be accompanied in some areas by strong winds capable of toppling trees, destroying weak structures, and displacing residents.

Additional states likely to witness moderate to heavy rainfall during the forecast period include Plateau, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Bauchi, and Zamfara.

NiMet also listed Sokoto, Kano, Katsina, Yobe, Borno, and Jigawa among the states at moderate risk of wind-related hazards over the three-day window.

On Tuesday, July 22, heavy rain is expected in Plateau, Nasarawa, Bauchi, Niger, Kebbi, Zamfara, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom.

Lighter rainfall is forecast across the FCT, Delta, Rivers, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Anambra, Abia, Imo, Edo, and parts of Benue, Adamawa, and Taraba.

On Wednesday, July 23, the heaviest showers will remain concentrated in Kebbi, Niger, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states.

By Thursday, July 24, rainfall is projected to continue in parts of the Middle Belt, North-East, and South-East, including Enugu, Ebonyi, Benue, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Borno, and Taraba.

NiMet urged residents of the high-risk zones to prepare for possible flooding, urging local authorities to activate emergency response plans.

The agency also called on farmers and construction workers to take precautions to avoid weather-related disruptions or injuries.