By David Lawani, Abuja
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has raised a fresh nationwide flood alert, warning that 27 states, including Lagos and several coastal and riverine communities, face a heightened risk of flash floods as the country enters the peak of the 2026 rainy season.
The agency warned that the threat is expected to intensify between July 1 and July 10, with heavy rainfall likely to overwhelm already saturated ground and trigger flooding in vulnerable locations.
The latest advisory comes at a time when many communities across Nigeria are still grappling with the aftermath of recent torrential rains that submerged homes, displaced residents, paralysed businesses and disrupted transportation.
Lagos has been among the hardest-hit, with several major roads and residential neighbourhoods repeatedly inundated after heavy downpours, resulting in prolonged gridlock, damaged property, and economic losses. Similar flooding incidents have also been reported in parts of Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa and other southern states.
The warning has also heightened concerns following recent flood disasters recorded in different parts of the country, where lives have been lost, thousands displaced, and public infrastructure destroyed. Experts have repeatedly warned that climate change, poor urban planning, blocked drainage channels, and indiscriminate waste disposal are worsening Nigeria’s vulnerability to floods.
In its latest flash flood outlook, NiMet said the persistent rainfall recorded throughout June has left the soil across much of the country heavily saturated, making it difficult to absorb additional rainfall.
According to the agency, the onset of the peak rainy season in July significantly increases the possibility of flash floods, particularly in low-lying communities, urban centres, coastal settlements and areas with inadequate drainage systems.
*Lagos, Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, Ogun, Kogi are the top danger zones
The states identified as being at the highest risk 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.
“As July marks the beginning of the peak rainy season, the risk of flash flooding is expected to increase, particularly in low-lying, urban, coastal and poorly drained areas,” the agency warned.
NiMet cautioned that the expected rainfall could seriously disrupt economic and social activities across affected areas.
It warned that flooded roads may lead to severe traffic congestion, road closures and interruptions to the movement of people and goods.
The agency also projected possible electricity and telecommunications outages as floodwaters threaten critical infrastructure.
It added that poor visibility during intense rainfall could increase risks for motorists and disrupt aviation operations.
Beyond transportation, NiMet warned that agriculture could suffer another major setback.
It said prolonged waterlogging could destroy crops, inundate farmlands and worsen existing food security concerns, while roads, bridges, drainage networks and other public infrastructure could sustain significant damage.
The agency further advised health authorities to prepare for potential outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera and diarrhoea, noting that stagnant floodwaters and poor sanitation often create conditions conducive to rapid disease transmission.
The latest forecast reinforces earlier warnings that this year’s rainy season could be more severe in many parts of the country, renewing fears of a repeat of previous flood disasters that claimed lives, displaced thousands of families and inflicted billions of naira in economic losses.
NiMet called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), local authorities and community leaders to activate emergency response plans and intensify public awareness campaigns before rainfall intensifies further.
“Early preparedness and timely action remain essential in reducing the impacts of flash flooding,” the agency stated.
It urged residents of flood-prone communities to monitor official weather forecasts, clear blocked drains and waterways, secure loose outdoor objects and avoid walking or driving through floodwaters.
The agency stressed that prompt action by governments, emergency agencies and residents would be critical in reducing casualties, protecting property and limiting the devastating impact of flooding during the peak rainy season.
