NIHSA Issues Flood Advisory for 17 States from July 21

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) issued a seven-day flood advisory on July 21, warning of medium flood risk for 17 states from July 21 to July 27. This alert follows rising water levels at the Kei River monitoring station, increasing the likelihood of localized flooding along the river channel and floodplain.

NIHSA's Director General, Umar Moham, disclosed that 200 flood advisories have been issued nationwide. The states affected include Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara.

The agency identified 1,841 communities in Bauchi as highly exposed, including 145 schools, 101 health facilities, and eight markets. NIHSA urged state governments and local authorities to implement precautionary measures and recommended relocating residents and livestock from flood-prone areas.

The agency also called for the clearing of blocked drains and culverts to improve water flow and reduce flooding risks.