Osun
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a flash flood alert for 25 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), warning that heavy rainfall between July 11 and July 20 could trigger flooding in vulnerable communities.
Among the states identified are Osun, Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Ekiti, Ondo, Delta, Edo, Abia, Imo, Ebonyi, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Bayelsa, Bauchi, Jigawa, Taraba, Adamawa, Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Kwara and Kogi, as well as the FCT.
According to NiMet, persistent rainfall recorded during the first 10 days of July has left the soil heavily saturated, reducing its ability to absorb more water and increasing the risk of rapid surface runoff, especially in flood-prone communities, urban centres and areas with poor drainage systems.
The warning was contained in the agency’s Probable Flash Flood Risk Map for the Second Dekad (July 11–20, 2026).
NiMet explained that the combination of continuous rainfall and waterlogged soil is expected to heighten the likelihood of flash floods across many vulnerable locations during the period under review.
The agency warned that the anticipated flooding could lead to severe traffic congestion, make major roads impassable and disrupt transportation services in affected areas.
It also noted that heavy rainfall could interrupt electricity and telecommunications services, while poor visibility may pose additional risks to motorists and aviation operations.
NiMet further cautioned that prolonged waterlogging could damage crops and farmlands, posing a threat to agricultural activities at the peak of the rainy season.
The agency added that critical infrastructure, including roads, bridges, drainage systems and other public facilities, could sustain significant damage if the predicted floods occur.
It also warned that stagnant floodwaters may increase the spread of waterborne diseases due to poor sanitation in affected communities.
To minimise the impact of the expected flooding, NiMet advised residents to monitor weather forecasts and flood advisories regularly and take necessary precautionary measures before heavy rainfall.
The agency also urged State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) to strengthen emergency preparedness and response in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant stakeholders.
In addition, NiMet called for increased public awareness on flood preparedness and advised residents to keep drainage channels and waterways free of refuse to ensure the smooth flow of stormwater.