The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued a seven-day flood advisory, warning of a medium flood risk in 17 states between July 21 and July 27.
In the national flood advisory issued on Tuesday, Umar Mohammed, director-general of NIHSA, said the alert followed rising water levels at key river monitoring stations, increasing the likelihood of localised flooding along river channels and floodplains.
The affected states are Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara.
Mohammed said river levels at Saminara on the Karam River, Waya dam site on the Waya River, and Amber on the Amber River had exceeded watch and warning thresholds.
He added that 16 gauging stations across the country are recording elevated river stages, placing nearby communities at risk of localised flooding.
Citing the advisory, Mohammed said Bauchi has the highest exposure, with 1,841 communities, 145 schools, 101 health facilities and eight markets identified as vulnerable.
He also identified vulnerable communities and public facilities in Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau and Benue states.
Mohammed urged state governments, local authorities and residents of flood-prone communities to immediately take precautionary measures.
He called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), local governments and community leaders to activate emergency response plans.
The NIHSA boss recommended relocating residents, livestock and valuables from floodplains to safer locations.
He also advised emergency agencies to pre-position food, medical supplies and water treatment materials in areas likely to be affected.
Mohammed urged communities to mobilise early warning volunteers and utilise local communication channels to ensure the timely dissemination of flood alerts.
He cautioned residents against walking, driving or riding through flooded roads, bridges and fast-flowing waterways.
He also urged authorities to clear blocked drains, culverts and waterways to improve water flow and reduce the risk of flooding.
Mohammed advised the public and relevant agencies to monitor daily flood updates and advisories issued by NIHSA.
