Abuja: The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued a fresh flood alert for 198 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across 32 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The agency has cautioned that there are high to very high flood risks anticipated between August 7 and August 21.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, the alert, referenced as No: 32-25-003-06, was issued by NIHSA Director General, Mr. Umar Ibrahim, following rising river levels and persistent rainfall across the country. NIHSA has warned that over 100 communities and major transportation routes may face severe disruptions during the forecast period.

The states identified as being at risk include Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, FCT, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, and Nasarawa. Others are Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara. Within these areas, a total of 198 LGAs and 832 communities are projected to be impacted by the flooding.

NIHSA has highlighted the potential disruption of major transportation routes, drawing on data from its color-coded flood risk map. The agency has urged emergency management stakeholders to activate their response protocols and advised that evacuation plans be implemented for communities at risk.

Furthermore, NIHSA has encouraged residents and stakeholders to adhere to its weekly state-level and community-specific forecasts, and to stay informed via the NIHSA flood dashboard and official social media platforms. This alert forms part of NIHSA’s ongoing efforts to mitigate the growing impact of seasonal flooding, which continues to displace thousands of people and damage infrastructure each year.

For more information and real-time updates, members of the public are advised to visit www.nihsa.gov.ng or scan the QR code featured on the official alert.