FG names 33 states at risk of flooding and urges residents to relocate

• FG issues fresh flood warning for 33 states as rising river levels increase flood risk.

• NIHSA urges residents in flood-prone communities to move to higher ground immediately.

• The agency says flooding could damage homes, farmlands, roads and critical infrastructure.

• State governments and emergency agencies have been asked to activate early-warning and emergency response plans before the situation worsens.

If you live close to a river or flood-prone area, this is one warning you don't want to ignore.

The Federal Government has issued another flood alert, warning that 33 states across Nigeria could experience river flooding in the coming days as water levels continue to rise.

The warning came through the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) in its latest seven-day flood forecast, which showed that several communities, especially those around rivers and floodplains, are at risk.

According to the agency, rising river levels could lead to flooding that may destroy homes, farmlands, roads and other important infrastructure if residents fail to take precautionary steps early.

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The states listed as being at high risk include:

• Kaduna

• Niger

• Taraba

• Ondo

• Oyo

• Rivers

• Abia

• Adamawa

• Akwa Ibom

• Anambra

• Bayelsa

• Benue

• Borno

• Cross River

• Delta

• Ebonyi

• Edo

• Enugu

• Gombe

• Imo

• Jigawa

• Kogi

• Kwara

• Nasarawa

• Lagos

• Ogun

• Osun

• Plateau

As concern grows over the possibility of another round of flooding this rainy season, NIHSA advised people living in flood-prone communities to leave immediately for safer places before water levels become dangerous.

The agency said residents should "move immediately to safer and higher ground," stressing that acting early could save lives and reduce damage to property.

NIHSA also called on state governments, local government authorities and emergency agencies to activate their flood response plans and strengthen early warning systems to protect residents.

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The agency further urged Nigerians to keep an eye on official flood updates and avoid waiting until floodwaters enter their communities before taking action.

This latest warning comes as Nigeria continues to battle seasonal flooding, a problem that has affected many states over the years. During the rainy season, heavy rainfall combined with overflowing rivers often leads to displacement of families, destruction of farms and disruption of businesses in several communities.

With more rainfall still expected in many parts of the country, authorities are encouraging residents in vulnerable areas to take the warning seriously and prioritise their safety.