The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has placed 17 states on medium flood alert, warning of possible localised flooding between July 21 and July 27. The agency urged residents living in flood-prone communities to relocate immediately to safer locations.

In its National Flood Advisory (Alert No. NFA-2026-200) released on Tuesday, NIHSA said water levels at key river monitoring stations had risen above warning thresholds, increasing the risk of flooding along major rivers and floodplains.

Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NIHSA, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, said data from the agency’s hydrological monitoring network showed that river levels at Saminara on the Karam River, Waya Dam Site on the Waya River and Amber on the Amber River had exceeded watch and warning levels. He added that 16 gauging stations across the country were also recording elevated water levels.

Mohammed warned that communities located along the affected river channels face a high risk of localised flooding and called on state governments, emergency agencies and residents to take urgent preventive measures.

“Our hydrological monitoring network indicates that river stages at critical monitoring stations have exceeded watch and warning thresholds. With 16 gauging stations showing elevated stages, communities along the primary channels face imminent localised flooding. We strongly advise state governments, local authorities and residents on floodplains to act immediately,” he said.

The agency identified Bauchi, Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau and Benue among the states at risk, alongside 11 others.

According to the advisory, Bauchi has the highest projected exposure, with 1,841 communities at risk, including 145 schools, 101 health facilities and eight markets.

In Edo State, 148 communities, 131 schools, 123 health facilities, four markets, seven religious centres and seven hectares of farmland could be affected.

Imo State has 415 vulnerable communities, as well as 423 schools, 198 health facilities, 49 markets, 111 religious centres and 75 hectares of farmland under threat.

Plateau State has 205 at-risk communities, 137 schools, 44 health facilities, 16 markets, 81 religious centres and 64 hectares of farmland that could be impacted by flooding.

In Kaduna, 168 communities have been identified as vulnerable, while Benue has five communities, eight schools and two health facilities exposed to possible flooding.

NIHSA directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), local government authorities and community leaders to begin the immediate evacuation of residents, livestock and valuables from flood-prone areas to designated safe shelters.

The agency also advised emergency responders to pre-position relief materials, including food, clean water, medical supplies and first-aid equipment, while urging communities to activate local early-warning systems and maintain regular communication to minimise the impact of potential flooding.