The Federal Government has issued an urgent red alert, warning residents of 15 northern states to brace for possible heavy flooding in the coming days. The warning, issued on Monday, follows forecasts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) indicating imminent intense rainfall and river overflows in affected regions.
According to the advisory, the states at high risk include Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Kogi, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto. The government has urged residents in flood-prone areas to relocate to safer grounds and adhere to all safety guidelines to mitigate potential loss of lives and property.
Authorities have also directed state emergency agencies to be on heightened alert, ensuring adequate preparation for swift response and relief efforts. The federal warning comes as Nigeria continues to experience seasonal flooding challenges, with experts cautioning that climate change and poor drainage systems are exacerbating the situation.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reiterated its commitment to collaborate with state governments, humanitarian bodies, and security agencies to manage the risks, stressing that early action remains the best safeguard against the predicted disaster.
