Federal Government Announces Five-Day Nationwide Alert for Flooding Across 19 States
The ongoing flooding crisis in Nigeria continues to wreak havoc, with several states experiencing critical situations and significant human and economic impacts. As of mid-August 2025, over 140,000 people across 21 states have been affected by flooding, emphasizing the severity of the crisis.
Initially, the Federal Government forecast heavy rainfall likely to cause flooding from August 10 to August 14 in 15 northern states and 68 specified locations. However, the situation has since expanded, with the Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency extending the list of potentially flood-prone states to 29 by August 7.
Some of the states affected include Akwa-Ibom, Bauchi, Ebonyi, Cross-River, Nasarawa, Benue, Kaduna, and Katsina, among others. Tragically, at least 191 people have lost their lives, and 94 are still missing in 20 states and 47 local government units.
In response to the crisis, states and federal agencies are mobilizing for flood prevention and relief efforts. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is coordinating search and rescue operations, delivering relief materials, and securing funding (₦139.5 billion approved by the National Economic Council) for flood intervention.
In Delta State, Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Jamani Ejiro, has set up six IDP camps in high-risk, flood-prone regions of the state. These camps, located in Kwale, Ozoro, Patani, Bomadi, Uto-Jeremi, and Asaba, are equipped with modern facilities, including sick bays, security units, kitchens, and other essential amenities.
Community leaders in Bagel hamlet, Bauchi State, are requesting support from corporations, NGOs, and affluent individuals for recovery efforts after extreme floods left many homeless. In Kebbi State, a three-hour rain caused several houses to get submerged and forced scores of families to relocate.
The National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre of the Federal Ministry of Environment issued a warning on Tuesday, predicting severe rains and potential floods in several states, including Ogun, Gombe, Lagos, Plateau, Anambra, Delta, and others. Disastrous flooding occurred in these states on Tuesday, leaving thousands stranded and severely impacting economic activity in Lagos.
In Shimankar District, Shendam LGA, Plateau State, severe floods caused extensive damage to at least 50 houses, two elementary schools, and a worship center. Niger State had the largest number of fatalities—163—followed by Adamawa State, which had 26. The states of Borno and Gombe each reported one fatality.
Dr. Kingsley Emu, the Secretary to the State Government, is in charge of the Flood Disaster Management Committee established by the Delta State Government. Ejiro stated that the camps were established in response to the Nigerian Meteorological Agency's forecast of significant rainfall and potential floods in many regions of the state. He promised that the state government will relocate impacted people to these camps as necessary to ensure their safety.
The situation remains dynamic and critical, with the government and agencies working tirelessly to prevent further tragedies and provide relief to those affected. Continuous warnings and flood simulation exercises are being conducted to improve preparedness and response.
- The ongoing crisis of climate change, specifically the flooding situation in Nigeria, necessitates greater emphasis on environmental science in education and self-development, as it spotlights the urgent need for understanding and addressing environmental challenges.
- Despite the urgent matters of climate-change and flooding, the political arena remains busy with issues such as casino-and-gambling regulations and general-news, demonstrating the need for prioritization of important environmental concerns.
- Amidst the flooding crisis, news of sports achievements may take a backseat, but the spirit of resilience and camaraderie displayed by those affected continues to inspire stories of triumph and community solidarity.
- As the search for the missing individuals and relief efforts continue, incidents of crime-and-justice might be on the rise due to the displacement and vulnerability of the affected communities.
- Accidents have become a part of the everyday narrative in the flooding crisis-prone areas, with houses getting submerged and roads washed away, highlighting the poor infrastructure and need for urgent improvement in these regions.
