Flood Alert: FG Warns 19 States Of Impending Risks

The Federal Government has issued a flood alert to residents across 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory, warning that 915 communities could experience serious flooding between August 27 and September 9, 2026.

According to Ireporter Online, the warning was issued through the National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre, which classified the affected communities as being at critical risk and urged residents to take precautionary measures ahead of possible emergencies.

The centre also identified 429 communities across seven states as being at high risk, while another 656 communities in 13 states were placed under moderate flood-risk monitoring.

The states listed among those facing critical flood risks are Kogi, Benue, Rivers, Edo, Delta, Cross River, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo.

Major cities and communities that could be affected include Lokoja, Makurdi, Port Harcourt, Benin City, Asaba, Calabar, Yenagoa, Uyo, Aba, Onitsha, Enugu, Owerri, Lagos, Abeokuta, Akure, Osogbo and Ibadan.

The government attributed the potential flooding to a combination of factors, including saturated soil, persistent rainfall, increased surface runoff, pressure on drainage infrastructure and rising river levels.

In an advisory signed by the Director of the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, Usman Abdullahi Bokani, residents in areas classified as critically vulnerable were advised to begin making preparations immediately.

Residents were also urged to identify and confirm safe evacuation routes and remain alert to further updates from relevant authorities in the event that evacuation becomes necessary.

The government appealed to residents, particularly those living in flood-prone communities, to take the warning seriously and avoid actions that could expose them to additional risks as rainfall continues across affected areas.