The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has warned that 19 states across the country may experience flash flooding in the coming days following forecasts of heavy early rainfall.
In an advisory issued on Thursday, the agency explained that the risk of flooding is expected to be higher due to dry and hardened soil conditions in many areas, which could limit water absorption and trigger increased surface runoff.
According to NiMet, the states likely to be affected include Zamfara, Nasarawa, Kwara, Oyo, Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti, Delta, Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Edo, Ondo, Bayelsa, and other vulnerable locations.
The agency warned that the anticipated flash floods could lead to submerged roads, traffic disruptions, destruction of homes, farmlands, and critical infrastructure, as well as blocked drainage channels, power outages, and disruptions to telecommunications services.
NiMet also cautioned that the flooding may increase the risk of injuries, displacement of residents, and the spread of water-borne diseases in affected communities.
The agency urged residents in vulnerable areas to take preventive measures, including clearing blocked drainages around their homes and monitoring official weather updates and flood alerts.
Motorists and pedestrians were also advised to avoid driving or walking through flooded roads to reduce the risk of accidents.
NiMet further called on emergency management agencies, state governments, and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen coordination, preparedness, and response mechanisms to mitigate the impact of possible flooding.
The latest advisory comes amid an earlier warning by the Federal Government that no fewer than 14,118 communities across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory could face severe flooding in 2026.
