By Barbara Nwaiwu
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has alerted residents in 13 states to the possibility of flash flooding between August 11 and 20, 2026, urging communities and relevant authorities to strengthen preparedness and take precautionary measures.
NiMet issued the advisory on Tuesday, identifying Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Niger, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Adamawa, Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Taraba, Cross River and Akwa Ibom as states with a high flash flood risk during the period.
The agency said the outlook was based on factors including forecast rainfall intensity, prevailing soil moisture conditions, drainage capacity, terrain and dam characteristics.
“It serves as an early warning and decision-support tool for proactive preparedness, emergency response planning, and disaster risk-reduction measures,” the advisory read.
NiMet warned that intense rainfall could trigger localised flash flooding, particularly in flood-prone, low-lying, urban and riverside communities.
It said possible impacts included road closures, traffic congestion and transport disruptions, as well as temporary interruptions to electricity and telecommunications services.
The agency also warned that heavy rainfall could reduce visibility for motorists and affect aviation operations, while flooding and waterlogging could damage roads, bridges, drainage systems and other critical infrastructure.
It said farmlands could also be affected by waterlogging, with possible consequences for crops and livestock, while stagnant floodwaters could increase the risk of waterborne diseases.
NiMet advised residents to regularly monitor weather forecasts and flood advisories issued by the agency and relevant emergency management authorities.
It urged the public to avoid walking or driving through flooded roads, bridges and fast-flowing water, while advising residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert and prepare to relocate to safer locations where necessary.
The agency further called on communities to keep drains, culverts and waterways clear to allow stormwater to flow freely.
NiMet urged emergency management agencies to strengthen surveillance, pre-position response teams and maintain a high level of preparedness throughout the period.
Farmers were also advised to improve drainage on their farms and move livestock, machinery and harvested produce away from flood-prone areas.
The agency called on authorities to prioritise vulnerable communities for impact-based monitoring, public sensitisation and rapid dissemination of early warnings.
“Preparedness should be maintained even in areas with lower flood probability, as flash flooding can develop rapidly during intense rainfall,” NiMet said.
