Flood: 8,000 communities, 4,500 schools at risk across 15 states — NiHSA

More than 8,000 communities and 4,500 schools across 15 states have been identified as being at risk of flooding over the next seven days, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency has warned.

The warning is contained in the latest National Flood Advisory issued by the agency, covering September 19 to 25.

NiHSA said rising river levels could cause flooding in vulnerable areas, potentially affecting communities, schools, healthcare facilities, markets, religious centres and farmlands.

The advisory was issued on Saturday by the agency’s Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Arch Umar Mohammed.

The affected states are Imo, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Enugu, Bayelsa, Kogi, Abia, Taraba, Rivers and Lagos.

Mohammed urged state governments to take urgent measures to protect residents in vulnerable communities, including relocating those living in high-risk areas to safer locations.

“High riverine flood risk is forecast for the next seven days across Imo, Cross River and 13 other states,” he said.

He warned that rising river stages could result in flooding and advised communities located on floodplains to prepare to move to higher ground.

“Communities on the floodplain should prepare to move to higher ground. Stations include Obubra, Itigidi and Epento on the Cross River,” Mohammed added.

In Imo State, NiHSA identified Aboh-Mbaise, Ahiazu-Mbaise, Ehime Mbano, Ezinihitte, Ideato North, Ihitte/Uboma and Ikeduru as vulnerable local government areas.

The agency said 958 communities, 1,022 schools, 553 healthcare facilities, 161 markets and 198 religious buildings were exposed to the risk in the state.

In Cross River, the affected areas include Abi, Akamkpa, Akpabuyo, Biase, Calabar, Calabar South, Ikom and Obubra.

NiHSA listed 2,471 communities, 703 schools, 344 healthcare facilities, 145 markets, 453 religious buildings and 854 hectares of farmland as exposed.

In Ebonyi, Abakaliki, Afikpo, Afikpo South, Ebonyi, Ezza North and Ezza South were listed among the vulnerable local government areas.

The agency identified 2,574 communities, 1,064 schools, 422 healthcare facilities, 480 markets, 629 religious buildings and 1,882 hectares of farmland as exposed.

In Benue, the affected local government areas are Buruku, Gboko, Guma, Katsina-Ala, Logo and Ukum, where 303 communities, 100 schools, 48 healthcare facilities, 32 markets, 151 religious buildings and 55 hectares of farmland were identified as being at risk.

NiHSA also listed Aguata, Anambra East, Anambra West, Anaocha, Awka North, Awka South and Ayamelum in Anambra State as vulnerable.

The agency said 1,314 communities, 1,308 schools, 1,089 healthcare facilities, 280 markets, 610 religious buildings and 1,529 hectares of farmland were exposed in the state.

In Akwa Ibom, Abak, Eket, Etinan, Ibeno, Ibesikpo Asutan, Ibiono Ibom, Ika and Ikono were identified as vulnerable.

NiHSA said 249 communities, 323 schools, 211 healthcare facilities, 74 markets and 289 religious buildings were exposed in the state.

The agency advised residents of flood-prone areas, particularly those living along floodplains and river channels, to remain alert, take precautionary measures and relocate to safer, higher ground where necessary.