FG Raises Alarm Over Likely Flooding in 11 States: Evacuation Urged Amid Heavy Rain Forecast
Nigeria’s Federal Government has sounded a fresh alert as heavy rains threaten to unleash flooding across 11 states. With 32 locations at high risk from September 14 to 18, 2025, authorities are calling for immediate evacuations along major river plains. This warning comes amid a devastating 2025 rainy season that has already claimed hundreds of lives and displaced millions.
The Alert: 32 Hotspots Across 11 States at Imminent Risk
The Federal Ministry of Environment issued the notice on September 14, 2025, through its National Flood Early Warning Centre. Signed by Director Usman Abdullahi Bokani of the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, it predicts intense rainfall that could trigger flash floods and river overflows.
The 11 states include Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Gombe, Jigawa, Kogi, and Taraba. Key hotspots encompass urban centers like Yola in Adamawa and Jimeta, as well as rural floodplains along the Gongola, Benue, and Niger rivers.
Communities near these rivers face the gravest danger. “Due to a rise in the water level of River Gongola, River Benue, and River Niger, the communities on the flood plains up to Numan, and also up to Lokoja, are advised to evacuate immediately,” the alert states. Residents in low-lying areas must relocate to higher ground, with emergency teams on standby.
This is part of a series of warnings. Earlier in July, the government flagged 38 locations in 11 states for July 16-20 risks. In August, alerts covered nine northern states and 19 others. The pattern underscores Nigeria’s recurring flood crisis.
Nigeria’s 2025 Flood Nightmare: A Year of Devastation
Flooding has ravaged Nigeria since April 2025, marking one of the worst seasons in years. Torrential rains, dam releases, and overflowing rivers have killed over 1,000 people and displaced 15 million.
The deadliest event was the May Mokwa flood in Niger State, claiming at least 500 lives and burying homes in landslides. In Okrika, Rivers State, 25 died in similar chaos. Dam water releases from Jebba Hydroelectric Power Station triggered six floods, killing 13 in April alone.
By April, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) warned of high risks in 1,249 communities across 33 states and the FCT. Moderate risks hit another 2,187 spots in 31 states. The UN reports 33 million at risk of food insecurity due to floods, inflation, and conflicts.
Root Causes: Climate Change, Urbanization, and Infrastructure Gaps
Experts blame a toxic mix of factors. Climate change intensifies rains, while rapid urbanization clogs drainage systems. Deforestation worsens erosion and flooding, as warned by the National Agency for the Great Green Wall.
Inadequate infrastructure compounds the issue. Poor dams and blocked waterways turn minor rains deadly. Permanent Secretary Mahmud Kambari called floods a “national emergency” in June, urging proactive policies. The 2025 Annual Flood Outlook emphasizes community preparedness, segmented into high, moderate, and low risks.
Government Response: Alerts, Evacuations, and Relief Efforts
The Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation leads the charge. NIHSA and NiMet issue daily bulletins, while NEMA stockpiles aid and deploys teams. States like Kogi, hit hard in 2024 with 1 million affected households, are mobilizing early.
A National Flood Insurance Policy aims to build resilience, shifting from reactive fixes to sustainable plans. Minister Balarabe Lawal launched the Nigeria National Plastic Action Partnership to curb waste-clogged drains. Governor Umo Eno’s anti-flood campaigns in Akwa Ibom include amnesty for repentant culprits in illegal sand mining.
Public Reactions: Fear, Calls for Action, and Community Solidarity
Social media buzzes with urgency. #FloodAlertNG trends on X, with users sharing evacuation tips and decrying government delays. “Evacuate now—don’t wait for the water to rise!” one post urges, amassing 5,000 shares.
Communities rally. In Benue, locals distribute sandbags, while NGOs like the Red Cross set up shelters. Critics, including former INEC boss Attahiru Jega, demand faster infrastructure upgrades. “Floods are not acts of God—they’re failures of planning,” a viral tweet reads.
Impacts on Nigerians: Lives, Livelihoods, and Economy
Floods threaten 15 million, mostly in rural north and urban south. Agriculture suffers—rice fields in Mokwa were wiped out, spiking food prices amid 33% inflation. Displaced families face disease outbreaks, with children under 12 hit hardest—over half of Mokwa’s 3,000 evacuees.
Economically, damages top billions, straining NEMA’s budget. Urban floods in Lagos and Delta disrupt commerce, while coastal erosion in Bayelsa erodes homes.
What You Can Do: Safety Tips and Resources
- Evacuate Promptly: Move to higher ground if in a floodplain; avoid rivers like Gongola or Niger.
- Prepare Kits: Stock water, food, meds, and documents for 72 hours.
- Clear Drains: Remove blockages to ease local flow.
- Stay Informed: Follow NIHSA alerts at niHSA.gov.ng or NiMet bulletins.
- Seek Aid: Contact NEMA at 0800-CALL-NEMA or Red Cross for shelters.
FAQ: Navigating the Flood Alert
Q: Which states are most at risk?
A: Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Gombe, Jigawa, Kogi, and Taraba.
Q: How long will the heavy rain last?
A: From September 14 to 18, 2025, with potential flash floods.
Q: What caused this year’s severe flooding?
A: Climate change, urbanization, deforestation, and dam releases.
Q: Where can I get help if affected?
A: NEMA hotlines, local emergency services, or UN relief points.
Q: Is this linked to earlier floods?
A: Yes—part of a season with over 1,000 deaths since April.
Conclusion: Act Now to Save Lives in Nigeria’s Flood Crisis
As rains pound 11 states, the FG’s alarm is a lifeline—evacuate, prepare, and stay vigilant. This 2025 season’s toll—thousands dead, millions displaced—demands urgent action on climate resilience and infrastructure. With NIHSA’s forecasts guiding the way, communities can mitigate disaster. Nigeria’s people have endured enough; proactive steps today prevent tragedy tomorrow. Stay safe, heed the warnings, and support relief efforts.