By Abbas Nazil
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued a nationwide flood warning alert, cautioning that 30 states across the federation are at risk of severe flooding between July 22 and August 5, 2025.
The flood alert, categorized under “Warning” level, was officially released on July 21, 2025, with the alert number 30-25-002-21.
The forecast period spans from 22nd July to 5th August, 2025, during which NIHSA expects significant river flooding, particularly in states that are mapped as having high and very high flood risks.
According to NIHSA, the affected states include Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, FCT, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, and Yobe.
A total of 162 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 739 communities fall within the forecast flood-prone zones.
NIHSA highlighted that the impact could include the disruption of over 100 major transportation routes, warning that the resulting effects might significantly affect logistics, emergency response, agriculture, and public safety.
The flood risk map accompanying the notification reveals a clear path of high and very high river flood risk areas, notably concentrated in the central and southern parts of Nigeria.
NIHSA is urging all emergency management stakeholders, including local authorities, disaster response agencies, and relevant ministries, to prepare for immediate activation of response protocols.
Communities located in high-risk areas are advised to implement evacuation plans without delay to avoid preventable casualties and damages.
The agency also recommends that residents and stakeholders stay informed by regularly monitoring updates from the NIHSA Flood Dashboard, official website, and social media platforms.
NIHSA emphasized the importance of preparedness, stating that timely response and coordination are critical to minimizing losses during the forecast period.
Additionally, the public is encouraged to scan the QR code on the official alert document to access real-time updates and further information on the flood risk dashboard.
With flood incidents already becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change, NIHSA’s timely warnings and proactive strategies play a vital role in national disaster management and risk reduction efforts.
Communities are urged to remain vigilant and proactive in responding to the looming threat, as preparedness remains the strongest defense against natural disasters.
