The Federal Government has activated nationwide alerts after issuing a grave five-day flood forecast that could leave at least 76 communities across 19 states submerged.
Issued on Tuesday, the bulletin from the National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre under the Federal Ministry of Environment warned of prolonged heavy rainfall from August 5 through 9.
Communities in Akwa Ibom, Kaduna, Niger, Benue, and Kano have been identified as high-risk. In these zones, water levels are expected to rise sharply, potentially causing significant losses.
In the latest flood-related tragedies, 191 people have been confirmed dead in 2025 alone, with Niger State bearing the brunt of the fatalities. One death each was reported in Borno and Gombe states. Another 94 people remain unaccounted for.
The National Emergency Management Agency’s data shows widespread humanitarian impact: over 48,000 displaced, 239 injured, and nearly 10,000 homes damaged. Among victims are 60,000 children, 5,700 elderly persons, and 1,800 persons with disabilities.
In Lagos, chaos unfolded across several districts, where unrelenting rains transformed roads into rivers, stalling businesses, and cutting off access to schools and hospitals.
In Ogun State, floodwaters trapped RCCG camp visitors during a religious convention, while in Gombe, windstorms killed four and damaged over 270 homes and farmlands.
The Federal Government has approved N3bn for each state to strengthen flood preparedness, but experts warn more needs to be done to address root issues like blocked drainages and poor city planning.