The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency has issued a fresh flood advisory, warning that 14 states face a medium risk of flooding as river levels rise and rainfall intensifies across the country.

Director-General of NIHSA, Umar Mohammed, said the alert followed the agency’s latest hydrological forecast, which shows the likelihood of localised flooding along major river channels. Data from 16 monitoring stations indicated that water levels are approaching thresholds associated with disruptive floods.

The states identified as being at risk are Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Kaduna, Lagos, Niger and Plateau. Within these states, several local government areas and communities, including schools, health facilities and markets, could be affected if preventive measures are not taken.

Mohammed explained that the advisory is anchored on the Annual Flood Outlook, NIHSA’s nationwide assessment that models likely flood scenarios during the rainy season. The outlook is designed to guide disaster preparedness, response planning and long-term risk reduction by federal, state and local authorities.

He urged state governments and emergency management agencies to act immediately by strengthening early warning systems, updating evacuation plans and intensifying public awareness campaigns in vulnerable communities. According to him, timely communication of risk can significantly reduce casualties and damage to property.

Among the critical locations flagged by NIHSA are Saminaka on the Karam River, the Waya Dam site on the Waya River and Amber on the Amber River. Rising water levels in these areas, he warned, could trigger downstream flooding, especially where drainage infrastructure is weak or blocked.

Mohammed advised residents in flood-prone settlements to relocate to safer ground where possible, clear blocked drains and gutters, avoid crossing flooded roads and pay close attention to official updates from NIHSA and emergency agencies. He stressed that even shallow, fast-moving water can be deadly and should never be underestimated.

Emergency management agencies were also urged to pre-position relief materials, including food, shelter supplies and medical aid, and to activate community-based early warning and response mechanisms. Such measures, Mohammed said, are essential to minimising the humanitarian and economic impact of the anticipated floods.