Nigeria: 14,118 Communities at High Flood Risk This Year
Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency warns 14,118 communities across 266 LGAs in 33 states and FCT face high flood risk this year. Minister of Water Resources Professor Joseph Utsev revealed the outlook at Aso Villa, identifying Abia, Adamawa, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara, and FCT as high-risk areas.
An additional 405 LGAs in 35 states face moderate flood risk, while 923 communities in 77 LGAs across 24 states expect minimal flooding. This year's outlook introduces community-based flood forecasting, allowing for tailored interventions specific to affected communities.
The forecast comes as the government implements its 'Smart Water Resources Management' strategy, shifting toward a water-based economy. With flood risks spanning the entire country, communities in affected states should prepare contingency plans and monitor local forecasts for early warnings.