Nationwide Flood Alert: FG Warns Of Five-Day Heavy Rains Across 19 States

THE Federal Government has issued a five-day flood warning for 19 states across Nigeria, following predictions of heavy rainfall that may trigger widespread flooding in 76 locations.

The alert, issued on Tuesday by the National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre under the Federal Ministry of Environment, urged residents and stakeholders to take urgent precautionary measures.

This warning follows devastating floods that struck Ogun and Gombe states on Tuesday, with other states including Lagos, Plateau, Anambra, and Delta also affected.

States and Locations at Risk

The predicted high-risk areas from 5 to 9 August 2025 include:

• Akwa Ibom: Edor, Eket, Ikom, Oron, Upenekang

• Bauchi: Tafawa-Balewa, Azare, Jama’are, Kari, Misau, Jama’a

• Ebonyi: Abakaliki, Echara, Ezilo

• Cross River: Ogoja Edor, Obubra

• Nasarawa: Keana, Keffi, Wamba

• Benue: Agaku, Buruku, Gboko, Igumale, Ito, Katsina-Ala, Ugba, Vande-Ikya

• Kaduna: Jaji, Kafancha, Birnin-Gwari, Zaria

• Katsina: Bindawa, Bakori, Daura, Funtua

Other affected states include Kebbi, Kano, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Jigawa, Yobe, Zamfara, Sokoto, Borno, and Gombe.

Rising Flood Impact Across Nigeria

Flooding has become a yearly challenge, causing fatalities, property destruction, and displacement.

• 2024 floods affected 31 states, causing hundreds of deaths, injuring thousands, and displacing 1.2 million people.

• The Alau Dam collapse in Borno (Sept 2024) displaced 419,000 people and submerged 70% of the community.

• Earlier in 2025, the deadliest flood in Mokwa, Niger State killed at least 200 people and displaced thousands.

NEMA reports that as of 2025, floods have killed 191 people, left 94 missing, and affected 134,435 people across 20 states and 47 local government areas.

States Most Affected in 2025

• Niger State: 163 deaths

• Adamawa State: 26 deaths

• Borno & Gombe States: 1 death each

Other affected states include Abia, FCT, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kogi, Kwara, Ondo, Rivers, Sokoto.

• Displaced: 48,056

• Injuries: 239

• Houses damaged: 9,499

• Farmlands affected: 9,450

• Most vulnerable groups: Children and women

Recent Floods in Key States

Ogun State

Heavy rainfall left residents stranded at Redemption City, Mowe, where vehicles were submerged. Church buses were deployed to ferry trapped residents.

Gombe State

Floods and windstorms affected 278 households, causing four deaths. Farmlands and homes were destroyed across Kwami, Dukku, Billiri, Yalmatu-Deba, and Akko LGAs.

Lagos State

Flash floods in Ijede, Lekki, Surulere, Agege, Ajegunle, Alimosho, Eti-Osa disrupted lives, with families wading through waist-deep water. Businesses and transport systems were crippled.

Delta State

Residents of Sapele and Oko experienced flooding. The government opened six fully-equipped IDP camps and constituted a Flood Disaster Management Committee.

Kebbi State

Floods displaced dozens in Diggi town, Bunza LGA, destroying homes and farmland. Relief efforts are underway.

Plateau State

Heavy rainfall in Shendam LGA destroyed 50 homes, two schools, and a worship centre. Residents await emergency support.

Imo State

Flooding submerged 27 villages in Oguta LGA and seven villages in Ohaji/Egbema LGA, forcing families to relocate.

Rivers State

Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor LGAs faced flash floods in areas including Amaechi Drive, Odili Road, and Obi Wali axis, with displacement of residents.

Government Response

The National Economic Council (NEC) approved intervention funds:

• ₦3 billion each to 36 states + FCT

• ₦1.5 billion to each of Budget & Planning, Environment, Water Resources

• ₦10 billion to NEMA

NEMA and SEMA continue monitoring, providing shelters, and coordinating relief efforts. Officials stressed the importance of clearing drainages, community sensitization, and emergency preparedness.

Bayelsa State credited proactive flood control and drainage desilting for preventing severe flooding. Kano, Nasarawa, Kaduna, and Benue remain on alert despite no major floods so far.