Oyindamola Ogunbowale
The Federal Government has issued a fresh flood warning covering 15 states, with more than 8,000 communities and 4,500 schools identified as being at risk between September 19 and 25.
The alert was issued by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA), which warned of a high risk of riverine flooding during the seven-day period.
According to the advisory, rising river levels could trigger flooding in vulnerable communities, particularly those located on floodplains.
Schools, healthcare facilities, markets, religious buildings and farmlands are also among the facilities and areas that could be affected.
The 15 states listed in the warning are Imo, Cross River, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Rivers, Edo, Kogi, Taraba, Delta, Bayelsa, Enugu and Abia.
NiHSA has called on the affected state governments, local emergency authorities, traditional rulers and community leaders to take precautionary measures before the situation worsens.
Residents living in flood-prone communities have also been advised to prepare for possible movement to safer and higher ground, particularly those living on floodplains.
The agency identified several river stations requiring close monitoring, including Obubra, Itigidi and Epento along the Cross River.
The warning also carries implications for agriculture and essential services, with farmlands, schools, healthcare facilities, markets and religious centres among the locations exposed to possible flooding.
Residents have been urged to avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges and fast-moving water, whether on foot or in vehicles.
Communities have also been encouraged to strengthen local early-warning and emergency response measures.
Authorities are further expected to prepare safe locations and essential relief supplies in case temporary evacuation becomes necessary.
With the advisory covering September 19 to 25, residents in the affected areas are being urged to take the warning seriously and act early rather than wait for floodwaters to rise.
For communities located close to rivers and other flood prone areas, early preparation, attention to official warnings and timely movement to safer locations could help reduce the potential loss of lives, property and livelihoods.
