Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency Puts Seven States on Flood Alert as River Niger and Benue Water Levels Rise, Urging Evacuation Vigilance

The Federal Government, through the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA), has issued a critical flood alert for seven states following the observation of high water levels along the River Niger and River Benue. This warning underscores the continued risk of severe flooding across the country, even as the rainy season approaches its end in many parts.

The seven states placed under threat of potential localized or riverine flooding are: Kogi, Anambra, Delta, Benue, Adamawa, Niger, and Bayelsa.

The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NiHSA, Umar Muhammed, confirmed the risk during a press briefing in Abuja, advising residents in all flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and strictly follow official advisories. The agency’s technical experts specifically cautioned that communities situated along the banks of the Niger and Benue Rivers are highly vulnerable to riverine flooding in the coming weeks.

In addition to the physical threat of floodwaters, the agency reported that its recent water quality assessment revealed significant contamination in shallow wells due to floodwater intrusion. NiHSA is urging stronger collaboration among relevant ministries and humanitarian partners to ensure the provision of safe drinking water to affected communities.

To mitigate the anticipated impact, the agency’s technical advisor, Stephen Jabo, advised residents of high-risk areas to stay alert, consider moving to higher ground, and be ready for evacuation into designated flood camps where available. He also emphasized the necessity of clearing drainage systems to allow for the free flow of water, thus reducing the overall impact of flooding across the affected states.