Flood alert issued for 19 states in Nigeria as heavy rainfall looms

Nigeria’s environment ministry has issued a fresh flood alert covering 19 states, warning that intense rainfall between August 5 and 9 could trigger flash floods across multiple regions of the country.

The National Flood Early Warning System, operating under the Federal Ministry of Environment, identified flood-prone zones across the northwest, central, and southern regions, urging residents and local authorities to brace for potential damage.

Among the areas flagged are: Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, and Kano. In the north central region, affected states are Niger, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, as well as Rivers, Delta, and Bayelsa in the south.

Officials say residents in low-lying areas, especially around riverbanks and floodplains, should take early precautions to protect lives and property.

May Tragedy

The renewed alert comes just months after severe floods in Niger State’s Mokwa district killed at least 111 people, as Pluboard exclusively reported in May.

During the May disaster, entire neighbourhoods in Mokwa — including Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa — were submerged after hours of torrential rainfall. Emergency officials from the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed that some homes were swept away with residents still inside, while many remain missing.

Local leaders called the incident the worst in decades. “It’s been 60 years since our town experienced this kind of disaster,” Mokwa’s District Head, Muhammad Shaba Aliyu, told the BBC.

A dam collapse nearby further intensified the flooding, and with search and rescue teams still operating weeks later, officials warned the death toll could rise.

Recurring Flood Crisis

Nigeria’s rainy season, which spans from April to October, often brings widespread devastation. Experts say poor urban planning, blocked drainage systems, and unchecked construction on floodplains are fuelling an increase in flood-related disasters.

In 2022, Nigeria witnessed its worst flooding in a decade, with over 600 deaths, 1.4 million displaced, and 440,000 hectares of farmland destroyed.

By 2024, those numbers worsened — more than 1,200 people died and 1.2 million Nigerians were displaced, as reported by humanitarian agencies.

Experts and local authorities are calling for urgent investment in flood infrastructure, stricter urban development regulations, and climate-resilient planning.

“Every rainy season brings fear,” said Ibrahim Audu Husseini, NSEMA spokesperson. “We cannot continue like this. We need long-term solutions, not just emergency responses.”