NOA warns residents as NiMet forecasts flash floods across 27 states

Weather

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has urged Nigerians to take precautionary measures following a flash flood alert issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) for July 1 to 10.

In a public advisory issued on Monday, the agency said heavy rainfall is expected across several parts of the country, increasing the risk of flash flooding, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone communities.

According to the advisory, the states likely to be affected include Taraba, Sokoto, Borno, Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Plateau, Adamawa, Kwara, Kogi, Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Osun, Ekiti, Delta, Edo, Abia, Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers and Bayelsa.

The agency advised residents to avoid walking, driving or riding through flooded roads or fast-flowing water, warning that the depth and strength of floodwaters could be deceptive.

It also urged residents to clear blocked drainage channels, relocate temporarily from flood-prone areas where necessary, and move important documents, household items and electrical appliances to higher ground.

The NOA further advised parents and guardians to prevent children from playing in floodwaters and urged residents to switch off electricity and evacuate affected buildings where flooding becomes imminent.

The agency encouraged the public to monitor weather forecasts and official advisories from NiMet, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) and other relevant authorities.

It also called on Nigerians to promptly report flooding incidents and blocked drainage systems to emergency agencies.

The NOA directed its state offices and Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers to intensify public awareness campaigns, particularly in vulnerable communities.

The agency urged Nigerians to remain calm, vigilant and safety-conscious throughout the forecast period, noting that early preventive measures could significantly reduce the risk of loss of lives and property.