14 states to be affected as FG issues fresh flood alert
The Federal Government has issued a fresh red alert to residents in 14 states and 52 communities across Nigeria, warning of imminent flooding between September 16 and 18, 2025, and urging urgent preparedness and evacuation where necessary.
The warning was contained in a flood prediction report released on Tuesday by the National Flood Early Warning Centre (NFEWC) of the Federal Ministry of Environment, signed by Usman Abdullahi Bokani, Director of the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department.
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The report called for heightened vigilance by state governments, local authorities, and vulnerable communities.
It listed the following states and flood-prone communities expected to experience heavy rainfall and possible flash flooding:
Akwa Ibom: Upenekang, Eket, Edor, Oron, Ikot Abasi, Ikot-Ekpene, Etinan, Uyo, Obianga
Anambra: Ogbakuba, Nnewi
Adamawa: Yola, Wuro Bokki, Farkumo, Jimeta
Cross River: Akpap, Calabar
Bayelsa: Amasoma, Ikpidiama, Kalama, Yenagoa, Peremabiri, Sagbama, Oporoma, Odoni, Otuoke, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Ogbia, Oliobiri
Delta: Patani, Asaba, Abari, Escravos, Umuochi Utchi
Kaduna: Kachia, Kauru
Kebbi: Birnin Kebbi, Kalgo
Katsina: Bakori
Rivers: Ahoada, Bonny, Itu, Bori
Imo: Egbema, Oguta
Sokoto: Argungu, Gagawu, Silame
Ondo: Igbokoda, Ore, Okitipupa
Lagos: Epe
The warning comes just three days after a similar alert for Adamawa and 10 other states, particularly communities along River Gongola, River Benue, and River Niger, advising residents on floodplains to evacuate immediately.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed that Adamawa State has already begun to feel the brunt of the prediction.
According to NEMA, a torrential downpour lasting from 4 a.m. until noon on Tuesday triggered severe flash floods affecting 13 communities across Yola North and Yola South LGAs.
In a statement on its X (formerly Twitter) handle, NEMA said: “Rapid-response teams, alongside Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency, Federal and State Fire Services, and local volunteers, carried out search and rescue missions to locate and evacuate stranded residents.”
The agency said women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities were safely relocated to temporary shelters, while damage assessments were ongoing to determine the extent of destruction to homes, roads, and public infrastructure.
Lagos, which witnessed massive gridlock and flash floods last week, is one of the highest-risk states.
Motorists were trapped for hours along Ikorodu Road as last Monday’s downpour submerged parts of the Anthony–Odo-Iyalaro corridor, leaving vehicles stranded and commuters wading through knee-deep water.
Residents are now bracing for renewed floods as fresh heavy rainfall is expected in coming days.
The Ministry of Environment urged state emergency management agencies to:
Activate community-based early-warning systems
Clear blocked drainage systems immediately
Sensitize residents to relocate from flood-prone zones
Provide safe shelters and relief materials ahead of the rains
