NEMA Activates Emergency Teams as 15 States Face High Riverine Flood Risk

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has placed its emergency response structures on standby after the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) issued a high-risk flood alert covering 15 states across Nigeria.

The warning followed forecasts of rising river levels and an increased possibility of riverine flooding between September 19 and 25, 2026. NiHSA advised residents and authorities in vulnerable communities to take precautionary measures ahead of possible flooding.

The affected states are Imo, Cross River, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Rivers, Edo, Kogi, Taraba, Delta, Bayelsa, Enugu and Abia. The advisory means communities located close to rivers and floodplains in the affected areas face heightened exposure during the forecast period.

NiHSA said the alert was based on rising river levels and identified nine river stations requiring close monitoring. Among the locations highlighted were Obubra, Itigidi and Epento along the Cross River.

Following the advisory, NEMA Director-General, Mrs Zubaida Umar, directed the agency’s zonal directorates and operations offices covering the affected states to activate their existing emergency preparedness mechanisms and remain ready for possible response operations.

NEMA offices were also instructed to intensify monitoring of vulnerable communities, maintain close coordination with state and local government authorities and other emergency response stakeholders, and be prepared to deploy assistance whenever necessary.

Umar urged residents living on floodplains, riverbanks, low-lying communities and other exposed locations to take the warning seriously and move to identified safe and higher ground before flood conditions become critical. She stressed that early movement could help reduce the risk to lives and property.

The NEMA chief further called for special attention to vulnerable people during any evacuation or emergency response. Children, older persons, pregnant women and persons with disabilities were specifically identified as groups requiring additional protection and assistance.

State and local government authorities in the affected areas were also urged to activate their emergency preparedness arrangements and pre-position essential relief and rescue materials at strategic locations on higher ground. The recommended supplies include food and non-food items, safe drinking water, water-treatment materials, first-aid and medical supplies, as well as rescue equipment.

The latest alert comes against the backdrop of Nigeria’s wider 2026 flood outlook, which has identified thousands of communities across the country as vulnerable to flooding during the year. Earlier preparedness efforts by NEMA and state emergency agencies have focused on early warning, community sensitisation, evacuation planning and the pre-positioning of emergency resources.

NEMA has urged residents in the affected states to cooperate with emergency management authorities and comply with evacuation directives whenever they are issued. With the high-risk period running through September 25, authorities are expected to continue monitoring river levels and developments in vulnerable communities while keeping response teams ready for possible emergencies.