FG issues five-day flood alert across 15 states

The alert was released on Thursday by the National Flood Early Warning Centre and signed by the Director of the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, Usman Abdullahi Bokani.

Flooding has remained one of Nigeria’s most persistent environmental threats, often leading to displacement, destruction of farmlands, and outbreaks of waterborne diseases. Experts note that climate change and poor drainage systems continue to expose communities to heightened risks during the rainy season.

The states and locations at risk include:

Ebonyi: Afikpo

Cross River: Edor, Ikom, Itigidi, Akpap

Kano: Gwarzo, Karaye

Zamfara: Anka, Gummi, Kaura Namoda, Maradun, Shinkafi, Bukkuyum

Taraba: Dampar, Duchi, Garkowa, Gassol, Gembu, Gun Gun Bodel, Kambari, Mayo Ranewo, Mutum Biyu, Bandawa, Ngaruwa

Abia: Eziama, Umuahia

Yobe: Geidam, Kanama, Potiskum

Plateau: Langtang, Shendam, Wase

Borno: Ngala

Imo: Okigwe, Otoko

Niger: Sarki Pawa

Sokoto: Sokoto, Wamakko, Isa, Shagari, Makira

Kaduna: Kafanchan

Akwa Ibom: Oron

Meanwhile, the Federal Government’s flood relief efforts received a boost as the Chinese government donated $1 million to support victims in northern states.

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, signed the exchange notes with the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, in Abuja. Bagudu described the intervention as timely, stressing that it would help deliver relief materials and rebuild livelihoods in affected communities.

He assured that the grant would be managed transparently with a joint monitoring and evaluation mechanism established between the Nigerian government and the Chinese Embassy.

Ambassador Dunhai, while expressing China’s solidarity, recalled that both countries had recently suffered devastating floods. “In times of difficulty, China and Nigeria always stand together,” he said.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency had earlier forecast thunderstorms and moderate rainfall across several northern states, warning of possible flash floods in Jigawa, Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, and Bauchi during the week.