NIHSA Issues Flood Alert for 17 States, Urges Evacuations

On July 21, 2023, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) issued a medium flood alert for 17 states, warning of critical river levels that could lead to localized flooding in vulnerable communities over the next seven days. The agency's Director-General, Umar Mohammed, emphasized the urgency for state governments, emergency management authorities, and residents in flood-prone areas to evacuate immediately.

The advisory, effective until July 27, indicated that 16 gauging stations recorded dangerously elevated river stages. States identified at risk include Bauchi, Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau, and Benue, with Bauchi facing the highest exposure, affecting 1,841 communities, 145 schools, and 101 health facilities.

NIHSA also directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and local authorities to pre-position emergency supplies in safe locations. The agency cautioned against delays in evacuation, which could worsen humanitarian conditions and damage critical infrastructure.