The Federal Government has raised a new alarm over possible flooding in Lagos, Adamawa, and 12 additional states.
In a flood forecast released on Tuesday by the National Flood Early Warning Centre under the Federal Ministry of Environment, heavy rainfall is anticipated between September 16 and 18 across 14 states and 52 communities.
The alert, obtained by The Press Men, was signed by the Director of the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, Usman Abdullahi Bokani.
According to the ministry, the states and communities at risk within the period include Akwa Ibom State (Upenekang, Eket, Edor, Oron, Ikot Abasi, Ikot-Ekpene, Etinan, Uyo, Obianga); Anambra State (Ogbakuba, Nnewi); Adamawa State (Yola, Wuro Bokki, Farkumo, Jimeta); Cross River (Akpap, Calabar); Bayelsa State (Amasoma, Ikpidiama, Kalama, Yenagoa, Peremabiri, Sagbama, Oporoma, Odoni, Otuoke, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Ogbia, Oliobiri).
Others are Delta State (Patani, Asaba, Abari, Escravos, Umuochi Utchi); Kaduna State (Kachia, Kauru); Kebbi State (Birnin Kebbi, Kalgo); Katsina State (Bakori); Rivers State (Ahoada, Bonny, Itu, Bori); Imo State (Egbema, Oguta); Sokoto State (Argungu, Gagawu, Silame); Ondo State (Igbokoda, Ore, Okitipupa); and Lagos State (Epe).
This alert follows just three days after the government cautioned about flooding in Adamawa and 10 other states, advising residents along River Gongola, River Benue, and River Niger—including floodplains up to Numan and Lokoja—to relocate immediately.
Adamawa State has already started to feel the impact, as the National Emergency Management Agency confirmed a heavy downpour on Tuesday in Yola and nearby communities.
The rainfall, which began at about 4am, lasted until noon, triggering flash floods.
NEMA reported that its Yola Operations Office coordinated search, rescue, and evacuation efforts across 13 communities in Yola North and Yola South Local Government Areas.
According to a statement on its X handle, “NEMA rapid-response teams, alongside Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency, Federal and State Fire services, and local emergency response personnel and volunteer rescue units, carried out search and rescue missions in flood-affected communities to locate and rescue stranded residents.
“Vulnerable households, including women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, were safely evacuated from high-risk areas to designated temporary shelters and safe locations.
NEMA teams conducted rapid on-the-spot assessments to determine the extent of flooding, damage to property and infrastructure, and urgent humanitarian needs.
“The response was conducted in close collaboration with the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency, local government authorities, security agencies, and humanitarian partners to ensure timely assistance and avoid duplication of efforts.”
Meanwhile, Lagos State, which experienced heavy rainfall last week, has also been placed on the latest flood watchlist.
Motorists and commuters were left stranded along Ikorodu Road after Monday’s downpour submerged sections of the route. Traffic gridlock stretched from Anthony to the Odo-Iyalaro Bridge as floodwater obstructed free movement.
