The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency has placed 17 states on medium flood alert, warning that rising river levels have reached thresholds capable of triggering localized flooding in hundreds of communities over the coming week.

The agency urged state governments, emergency authorities and residents in flood prone areas to begin immediate evacuation from floodplains, warning that delay could endanger lives, damage infrastructure and worsen humanitarian conditions.

In its National Flood Advisory covering July 21 to July 27, the agency said data from its monitoring network showed water levels at key river stations had exceeded both watch and warning thresholds, with 16 gauging stations recording dangerously elevated readings. Director General Umar Mohammed said affected stations included Saminara on the Karam River, the Waya Dam site on the Waya River and Amber on the Amber River, warning that communities along major river channels face imminent localized flooding and urging immediate action from state governments, local authorities and residents on floodplains.

The advisory listed Bauchi, Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau and Benue among states facing elevated flood risk, with 11 others under heightened monitoring. Bauchi carries the highest projected exposure, with 1,841 communities at risk alongside 145 schools, 101 health facilities and eight markets. In Imo, the agency identified 415 communities, 423 schools, 198 health facilities, 49 markets, 111 religious centers and 75 hectares of farmland as vulnerable. Edo was projected to have 148 communities affected along with 131 schools, 123 health facilities, four markets, seven religious centers and seven hectares of farmland. Plateau State had 205 communities at risk alongside 137 schools, 44 health facilities, 16 markets, 81 religious centers and 64 hectares of farmland, while Kaduna had 168 vulnerable communities, 16 schools and three health facilities, and Benue had five communities, eight schools and two health facilities within the projected impact zone.

Beyond urging residents to relocate from flood prone areas, the agency directed the National Emergency Management Agency, state emergency agencies and local authorities to immediately pre position food, potable water, medical supplies and other relief materials in safe locations. It also cautioned motorists and pedestrians against attempting to cross flooded roads and bridges, and urged authorities to clear blocked drainage channels to improve water flow.