The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a flood alert for July 2025, warning that several states across the country are at risk of experiencing flash floods.

According to the agency, Sokoto State has a high risk of flash flooding, while other states, including Kaduna, Zamfara, Yobe, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Jigawa, Adamawa, Taraba, Niger, Nasarawa, Benue, Ogun, Ondo, Lagos, Delta, Edo, Cross River, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom, are also at notable risk.

NiMet has advised residents in these states to take necessary precautions to mitigate the impact of flash flooding. Some of the recommended measures include relocating to safer grounds if necessary, clearing blocked drainage systems, preparing emergency kits, turning off electricity and gas during flooding, strengthening mudslide prevention, and promoting community awareness.

The flood alert comes as no surprise, given NiMet’s earlier predictions of heavy rainfall and flash floods in coastal cities. Climate change is expected to exacerbate flooding in Nigeria, particularly in coastal areas, through rising sea levels and more intense rainfall events.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has also issued advisories to states in central and southern Nigeria, urging them to prepare for potential floods. NEMA recommends immediate clearing of blocked drainages, constructing temporary flood barriers, and evacuating from flood plains to safe higher grounds.

Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates and flood warnings from NiMet and NEMA. By taking proactive measures and staying vigilant, communities can reduce the impact of flooding and save lives. Some states, like Ekiti, are already taking steps to prevent flooding by threatening to demolish houses constructed on waterways.