The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned that 19 states across the country may experience flash flooding.
In an advisory issued on Thursday, NiMet said increased surface runoff and flash flooding could occur during heavy early rains due to dry and hardened soils that prevent water from properly soaking into the ground.
The agency listed the states likely to be affected as Zamfara, Nasarawa, Kwara, Oyo, Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti, Delta, Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Edo, Ondo, and Bayelsa.
NiMet said the possible impacts include flooded roads, traffic disruption, damage to homes, farmlands and infrastructure, blocked drainage systems, power outages, telecommunication disruptions, and increased risks of injuries and water-borne diseases.
The agency advised residents to clear blocked drainages and stay updated with weather and flood alerts.
NiMet also cautioned motorists and pedestrians against driving or walking through flooded areas.
The agency asked relevant authorities and stakeholders to strengthen coordination, preparedness, and emergency response measures to reduce flood-related risks.
“An informed community is a prepared community. Know the risks and act early,” the advisory reads.
The federal government had warned that 14,118 communities in 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are at risk of severe flooding in 2026.
The states include Abia, Adamawa, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna and Kano.
Others are Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara, and the FCT.
