‘Move Now!’: Nigeria Braces for Devastating Floods as 832 Communities Face Risk
Nigerians across 30 states have been placed on high alert as the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) warns of an impending flood disaster that could paralyze transportation, displace thousands, and submerge entire communities.
In a red-flag flood alert issued Thursday, NIHSA’s Director General, Umar Ibrahim, cautioned that river levels are rising dangerously due to persistent rainfall, and high to very high flood risks are projected between August 7 and 21.
🌊 Flood Zones at Risk
The looming danger affects major areas including Lagos, Rivers, the FCT, and 27 other states. According to NIHSA’s colour-coded risk map, 198 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 832 communities could face flooding during the warning period.
States identified include:
Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, FCT, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara.
NIHSA warned that major transportation routes could be severely disrupted, urging emergency responders to activate disaster response protocols immediately and for at-risk communities to prepare for possible evacuation.
⚠️ Lagos on Edge: “Move Now!”
The situation is already escalating in Lagos, where parts of the city have experienced crippling flash floods. The state government has urged residents in lowland areas like Ajegunle, Lekki, Ikorodu, and Isheri (OPIC axis) to relocate to higher ground immediately.
Environment Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab said the state is bracing for worse flooding than in previous years, citing projections by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
“For those who stay in the lowland of Lagos, they have to move to the upland pending when the rain recedes,” he warned on Channels Television.
Communities like Epe, Mushin, and Ikeja have been deemed relatively safe, but images and viral videos of submerged houses, floating vehicles, and flooded markets in other areas have already paralyzed economic activity in Nigeria’s commercial capital.
🛑 Act Now or Risk Tragedy
NIHSA is urging residents to stay updated via its flood dashboard and official channels, emphasizing that timely action could save lives and limit destruction.
As climate change continues to intensify seasonal flooding, experts warn that this may be one of Nigeria’s most dangerous wet seasons in recent years.
