The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued an urgent weather advisory warning that 19 states across the federation are at risk of flash flooding in the coming days.
According to the agency, heavy early rains are expected to trigger significant surface runoff because the soil, currently dry and hardened from the heat, will be unable to absorb water effectively.
This atmospheric condition creates a high-risk environment for sudden, localized flooding even after relatively short bursts of rainfall.
The states placed on high alert include Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Delta, Edo, and Bayelsa in the South-South; Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti, and Kwara in the West; and Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Ondo. Zamfara and Nasarawa are also among the regions expected to face the brunt of the deluge.
Officials warn that the impact could be widespread, potentially leading to submerged roads, traffic gridlock, and severe damage to residential buildings, farmlands, and critical national infrastructure.
Beyond physical damage, NiMet highlighted the potential for secondary crises, including power outages, telecommunication disruptions, and an increased risk of water-borne diseases.
Residents in the affected areas are strongly advised to take proactive measures immediately, such as clearing debris from drainage systems and staying informed through official weather updates.
Motorists and pedestrians have been cautioned against attempting to navigate flooded pathways, as the force of the water can be deceptive and life-threatening.
This warning serves as a sobering follow-up to recent federal projections indicating that over 14,000 communities in 33 states and the FCT are at risk of severe flooding throughout 2026.
In light of these forecasts, NiMet has called upon emergency management agencies and local stakeholders to strengthen their coordination and response mechanisms. The agency emphasized that early preparation is the most effective tool to mitigate the socio-economic losses traditionally associated with Nigeria’s rainy season.
