FG issues fresh flood alert to nine Northern states

The Federal Ministry of Environment’s National Flood Early Warning Centre (FEW Centre) has issued a fresh flood alert to Adamawa and eight other northern states, warning of possible heavy rainfall and flooding between August 25 and 29, 2025.

In a circular signed by Usman Abdullahi Bokani, Director of the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, the Centre placed Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina on red alert, while specific flood-prone towns in Sokoto and Zamfara were also highlighted.

Adamawa and Katsina recorded the highest number of vulnerable towns, including Mubi, Shelleng, and Abba-Kumbo in Adamawa, as well as Katsina, Kaita, and Bindawa in Katsina. Other towns under watch are Gwaram (Jigawa), Nafada (Gombe), Ngala (Borno), Sumaila (Kano), Anka (Zamfara), Makira (Sokoto), Azara and Jama’a (Bauchi).

Bokani urged relevant stakeholders to monitor developments closely and provide feedback on emerging situations, stressing that the floods could cause significant damage if preventive measures are ignored.

Just last week, the Centre had also issued alerts to seven northern states and advised communities along the River Niger floodplains from Jebba to Lokoja to evacuate following rising water levels.

Despite repeated warnings, officials lament that many state agencies and residents continue to neglect flood alerts, increasing the risks of avoidable disasters.