NIHSA warns 17 states face medium flood risk July 21-27, urges precautions
NIHSA issued a seven‑day flood advisory on Tuesday, warning of medium flood risk from July 21 to July 27 in 17 states: Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara. Rising water levels at monitoring stations—including Saminara on the Karam River, Waya Dam Site on the Waya River and Amber on the Amber River—have exceeded watch and warning thresholds, with 16 gauging stations nationwide showing elevated levels. Bauchi is the most vulnerable, with 1,841 communities, 145 schools, 101 health facilities and eight markets at risk; vulnerable communities also exist in Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau and Benue. The advisory urges state and local authorities, emergency agencies and residents to activate precautionary plans immediately: move people, livestock and valuables from floodplains to safer ground, clear blocked drains and waterways, avoid walking or driving through floodwaters, and pre‑position food, medical supplies and water treatment materials. NIHSA’s daily updates should be monitored. The warning comes amid a rainy season that has already caused flash floods disrupting transport and damaging property; experts cite rapid urbanisation, blocked drainage and wetland loss as aggravating factors, urging improved drainage maintenance, wetland protection, stricter development controls and greater investment in resilient flood‑control infrastructure. Given the scale of the threat, what steps will you take to protect your home, livelihood and community if you live in any of the listed states?