he Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued an urgent flash flood alert spanning July 1 to 10 for Lagos and 26 other states, warning that weeks of persistent June rainfall have left the nation’s soil heavily saturated and unable to absorb more water.
As the country enters the peak of the rainy season, meteorologists warn that low-lying, urban, coastal, and poorly drained areas face the highest risk of immediate flooding.
“Following widespread rainfall recorded across many parts of Nigeria in June, soils have become heavily saturated, reducing their ability to absorb additional rainfall,” NiMet stated. “The risk of flash flooding is expected to increase.”
The 27 states identified by NiMet as vulnerable to flash flooding over the ten-day period include North & Middle Belt: Taraba, Sokoto, Borno, Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Plateau, Adamawa, Kwara, Kogi.
Affected states in the South West are Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Osun, Ekiti.
While Delta, Edo, Abia, Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Bayelsa have been warned to take caution.
The agency cautioned that the heavy downpours will likely trigger far-reaching consequences across multiple sectors:
Commuters have also been asked tobrace for localized flooding, traffic gridlock, and road closures. Poor visibility during intense storms also poses severe risks to motorists and aviation operations.
Residents may experience temporary power and telecommunications outages.
Beyond the physical damage to roads, bridges, and public drainage systems, NiMet raised the alarm over potential public health crises. Health officials nationwide are being urged to remain highly vigilant, as stagnant floodwaters and compromised sanitation systems significantly increase the risk of waterborne diseases.
