The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has warned residents across 16 states of possible severe flooding over the next seven days, urging communities located on floodplains to prepare for possible evacuation to safer, higher ground.

NiHSA said rising river levels were expected to trigger flooding in several communities during the forecast period.The agency stated, “High riverine flood risk is forecast for the next seven days across Imo, Cross River and 13 other states. Rising river stages are expected to cause flooding.

”It advised residents in vulnerable communities to take precautionary measures, particularly those living close to rivers and on floodplains.

According to the agency, monitoring stations along the Cross River, including Obubra, Itigidi and Epento, are among areas where rising river levels are being closely watched.

Imo State

In Imo State, NiHSA identified Aboh-Mbaise, Ahiazu-Mbaise, Ehime Mbano, Ezinihitte, Ideato North, Ihitte/Uboma and Ikeduru Local Government Areas as being at risk of flooding.

The agency said 958 communities, 1,022 schools, 553 healthcare facilities, 161 markets and 198 religious buildings could be affected.

Cross River State

The affected local government areas in Cross River State include Abi, Akamkpa, Akpabuyo, Biase, Calabar, Calabar South, Ikom and Obubra.

NiHSA said 2,471 communities, 703 schools, 344 healthcare facilities, 145 markets and 453 religious buildings are exposed to the flood risk.It also listed 854 hectares of farmland as vulnerable.

Ebonyi State

In Ebonyi State, Abakaliki, Afikpo, Afikpo South, Ebonyi, Ezza North and Ezza South LGAs were identified as vulnerable to flooding.

NiHSA estimated that 2,574 communities, 1,064 schools, 422 healthcare facilities, 480 markets and 629 religious buildings are exposed.A total of 1,882 hectares of farmland were also identified as being at risk.Benue State

The affected areas in Benue State are Buruku, Gboko, Guma, Katsina-Ala, Logo and Ukum.

The agency said 303 communities, 100 schools, 48 healthcare facilities, 32 markets, 151 religious buildings and 55 hectares of farmland are exposed to the flood threat.

Anambra State

NiHSA also listed Aguata, Anambra East, Anambra West, Anaocha, Awka North, Awka South and Ayamelum Local Government Areas in Anambra State among the vulnerable areas.

The agency identified 1,314 communities, 1,308 schools, 1,089 healthcare facilities, 280 markets and 610 religious buildings as exposed.It also estimated that 1,529 hectares of farmland could be affected.

Akwa Ibom State

In Akwa Ibom, the affected LGAs include Abak, Eket, Etinan, Ibeno, Ibesikpo Asutan, Ibiono Ibom, Ika and Ikono.

NiHSA said 249 communities, 323 schools, 211 healthcare facilities, 74 markets and 289 religious buildings are exposed to the flood risk.

Other states at risk

Other states listed by NiHSA as facing severe flood risks during the seven-day forecast period are Edo, Bayelsa, Enugu, Kogi, Delta, Abia, Taraba, Rivers and Lagos.

The agency urged residents of flood-prone areas to remain alert and follow safety instructions from relevant authorities.

NiHSA particularly advised people living on floodplains and near rivers to take early precautionary measures and relocate to higher ground where necessary.

The warning comes as rising river levels continue to pose a potential threat to communities, critical infrastructure, farmland and public facilities across the affected states.