The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued a significant flood alert for 2025, indicating that 1,249 communities across 176 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are at high risk of severe flooding. An additional 2,187 communities in 293 LGAs face moderate flood risks.

Key Highlights:

1. Seasonal Flood Risks:
   1. April–June: 657 communities in 52 LGAs are expected to face high flood risks.

   2. July–September: 544 communities in 142 LGAs are projected to be at high risk.

   3. October–November: 484 communities in 56 LGAs may experience severe flooding.

2. Urban Centers at Risk: Major cities such as Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Kano, and Makurdi are particularly vulnerable to flash and urban flooding, primarily due to inadequate drainage systems and poor infrastructure.

3. Coastal Threats: States like Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, and Ondo are susceptible to coastal flooding resulting from rising sea levels and tidal surges.

In response, NIHSA has adopted a community-based flood forecasting approach, providing location-specific and community-focused forecasts to enhance preparedness. The government urges all stakeholders to implement early response strategies to mitigate the anticipated impacts of the impending floods.

Source: Nature news