11 Nigerian States on High Alert as Flood Threat Looms

The Federal Government of Nigeria has once again sounded a national alarm, issuing a fresh flood alert that places 11 states on high risk of heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding. The warning, disseminated by the National Flood Early Warning Centre under the Federal Ministry of Environment, paints a grim picture for communities situated in low-lying areas and floodplains. The government’s notice is not merely a weather forecast but a dire call to action, advising immediate evacuation for residents in areas along the country’s major river systems. This latest alert serves as a stark reminder of the perennial and often devastating flood crisis that has become an annual struggle for millions of Nigerians, a humanitarian and economic challenge rooted in a complex mix of natural and human-made factors.

Nigeria’s vulnerability to flooding is a deeply ingrained and recurring problem, with its causes extending far beyond seasonal rainfall. The primary natural drivers include the overflowing of major rivers, particularly the Niger and the Benue, whose basins stretch across a significant portion of the country’s landscape. However, human activities have played a critical role in exacerbating this hazard. Poor urban planning, weak enforcement of environmental laws, and the indiscriminate construction of buildings on natural floodplains and drainage channels have created a perfect storm for disaster. The problem is further compounded by a widespread culture of waste mismanagement, where drains and canals are often blocked by refuse, hindering the free flow of water. These man-made vulnerabilities, coupled with the increasing intensity of rainfall linked to global climate change, mean that every year, warnings of impending floods are met with a sense of dread and inevitability among affected populations.

The Federal Government’s warning specifically highlights 11 states and numerous communities at immediate risk between Sunday and Thursday. According to the notice from the National Flood Early Warning Centre, communities in Adamawa, Benue, and Nasarawa states face a direct threat from rising water levels in River Gongola and River Benue. Other states on the alert list include Taraba, Delta, Niger, Kebbi, Kano, and Katsina, with specific communities named. The remaining states of Sokoto and Zamfara also have communities identified as highly vulnerable. This granular level of detail from the ministry demonstrates a clear understanding of the geography of risk. The warning, however, is more than just a list of names. It is a plea for immediate action from a government agency that, through the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, meticulously monitors water levels and releases the Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) to provide a roadmap for mitigation and preparedness.

The historical impact of these floods adds a poignant human dimension to the latest alert. In recent years, floods have left a trail of humanitarian and economic devastation, with the 2012 and 2022 disasters serving as grim benchmarks. In 2022 alone, floods claimed over 600 lives, displaced more than 3.2 million people, and caused economic damage estimated at billions of dollars. The humanitarian crisis that follows these floods is severe, with displaced families seeking shelter in temporary camps that are often overcrowded and lack proper sanitation, leading to the outbreak of waterborne diseases like cholera and malaria. The economic toll is equally catastrophic, particularly for the agricultural sector, which forms the backbone of the economy for many of the affected states. Farmlands are submerged, crops are destroyed, and livestock are lost, threatening the nation’s food security and leaving many families without a source of income for months, if not years.

In response to the growing threat, the Federal Ministry of Environment has not only issued a warning but has also called upon state governments and emergency agencies to act with urgency. This call for action is crucial, as the effectiveness of the early warning system depends heavily on a coordinated response. State governments must mobilize resources, set up emergency shelters, and deploy relief materials to the communities at risk. Agencies like the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and their state-level counterparts need to coordinate rescue operations and rapid assessments to provide timely support to victims. Past responses have shown that some states, such as Kaduna and Sokoto, have taken proactive measures like clearing drainages and sensitizing residents, but a nationwide, unified approach remains a challenge. The government’s appeal highlights the shared responsibility of mitigating a disaster that is both a natural phenomenon and a consequence of collective neglect.

Ultimately, the flood alert is a stark reminder that while warnings are a necessary first step, they are not a solution in themselves. The perennial nature of Nigeria’s flood crisis demands a long-term, systemic approach that addresses the root causes. This includes not only investing in infrastructure like dams and drainage channels but also enforcing urban planning policies that prevent people from building in high-risk zones. For the communities on the floodplains of the River Niger and River Benue, this latest alert is a call to brace for impact once again. It is a story of human resilience in the face of natural forces, but also a call for greater accountability and strategic action from those in power to protect the lives and livelihoods of the most vulnerable citizens.