By Favour Raphael
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has alerted Nigerians to the risk of flash flooding in Kwara and 26 other states following forecasts by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) of heavy rainfall between July 1 and 10, 2026.
In a statement, the agency said the states likely to be affected are Taraba, Sokoto, Borno, Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Plateau, Adamawa, Kwara, Kogi, Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Osun, Ekiti, Delta, Edo, Abia, Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers and Bayelsa.
The agency urged residents, especially those living in flood-prone and low-lying communities, to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures to protect lives and property.
NOA advised the public to avoid walking, driving or riding through flooded roads, clear drainage channels around homes and business premises, relocate from flood-prone areas where necessary, move valuable items and important documents to safer locations, and ensure children stay away from floodwaters and drainage channels.
It also urged residents to disconnect electrical appliances where flooding poses a threat, monitor weather updates and official advisories from NiMet, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) and other relevant authorities, and promptly report flooding incidents or blocked drainage channels to emergency responders.
The agency further directed its State Directors and Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers (COMOs) to intensify public sensitisation campaigns, particularly in communities considered vulnerable to flooding.
Reassuring Nigerians, the NOA urged citizens to remain calm, vigilant and safety-conscious, noting that early preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of loss of lives and property during the forecast period.
