Nigerian Meteorological Agency Issues Urgent Flood Alert For July.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a critical flood alert for July 2025, cautioning residents in 20 states, including Sokoto, Lagos, Edo, and Benue, about the heightened risk of flash flooding. The warning, announced on Monday, highlights the potential for severe weather events as the rainy season intensifies across the country.
According to NiMet’s latest flash flood risk alert, Sokoto State faces a particularly high risk of flash floods due to the onset of heavy rainfall. Other states identified as having a notable risk include Kaduna, Zamfara, Yobe, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Jigawa, Adamawa, Taraba, Niger, Nasarawa, Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Cross River, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom. The agency’s Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) underscores that the increasing rainfall could lead to significant flooding events, posing threats to communities, infrastructure, and agriculture.
NiMet has urged residents in these states to take immediate precautions to mitigate the impact of potential flooding. The agency advises those in low-lying or high-risk areas to consider relocating to safer ground, clear drainage systems to ensure unobstructed water flow, and prepare emergency kits containing essentials such as non-perishable food, water, first aid supplies, and torches. Additionally, residents are encouraged to turn off electricity and gas during flooding, strengthen measures to prevent mudslides, and stay informed through regular weather updates.
The alert comes in the wake of recent flooding incidents in Nigeria, with states like Kogi and Ondo already reporting significant damage. In Kogi, over 500 homes were submerged following a three-day downpour, while Ondo saw hundreds displaced and seven bridges destroyed. These events underscore the urgency of NiMet’s call for preparedness to avoid further loss of life and property.
The Nigerian government, through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), is collaborating with state authorities to enhance flood response measures. Efforts include prepositioning rescue equipment and establishing emergency operations centres in high-risk areas. NiMet’s proactive warning aims to bolster community awareness and resilience as Nigeria navigates the challenges of the rainy season.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant and adhere to safety advisories to protect lives and livelihoods in the face of this looming threat.
