The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned that 19 states across the country may experience flash flooding due to heavy early rains.
Gatekeepers News reports that in an advisory issued on Thursday, the agency explained that increased surface runoff and flash floods could occur because dry and hardened soils may prevent rainwater from properly soaking into the ground.
The states listed as vulnerable include Zamfara State, Nasarawa State, Kwara State, Oyo State, Lagos State, Ogun State, Ekiti State, Delta State, Imo State, Anambra State, Enugu State, Ebonyi State, Akwa Ibom State, Cross River State, Rivers State, Edo State, Ondo State, and Bayelsa State.
NiMet warned that the flooding could lead to submerged roads, traffic disruption, destruction of homes, farmlands and infrastructure, blocked drainage systems, power outages, telecommunication disruptions, and increased risks of injuries and water-borne diseases.
The agency advised residents in vulnerable areas to clear blocked drainages and remain updated on weather forecasts and flood alerts.
Motorists and pedestrians were also cautioned against driving or walking through flooded areas.
NiMet further urged authorities and emergency stakeholders to strengthen preparedness, coordination, and response measures to minimise the impact of flooding.
“An informed community is a prepared community. Know the risks and act early,” the advisory stated.
The warning comes weeks after the federal government disclosed that 14,118 communities across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are at risk of severe flooding in 2026.
The states identified by the government include Abia State, Adamawa State, Anambra State, Bauchi State, Bayelsa State, Benue State, Borno State, Cross River State, Delta State, Ebonyi State, Edo State, Enugu State, Gombe State, Imo State, Jigawa State, Kaduna State, Kano State, Kebbi State, Kogi State, Kwara State, Lagos State, Nasarawa State, Niger State, Ogun State, Ondo State, Osun State, Oyo State, Plateau State, Rivers State, Sokoto State, Taraba State, Yobe State and Zamfara State, alongside the Federal Capital Territory.
