Authorities in Nigeria have issued an urgent flood warning for at least ten states, cautioning that heavy rainfall between April 8 and April 12, 2026, could trigger widespread flooding in vulnerable communities.
The alert, as seen in The Punch, released by the National Flood Early Warning Centre under the Federal Ministry of Environment, highlights growing concerns over the early onset of intense weather conditions across parts of the country.
In a notice signed by Usman Bokani, Director of the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, authorities identified several high-risk areas. States likely to be affected include Ebonyi State, Anambra State, Ogun State, Taraba State, Cross River State, Benue State, Imo State, Delta State, Rivers State, and Abia State.
Officials warned that communities in these regions and surrounding areas may experience rainfall intense enough to overwhelm drainage systems and lead to flooding, particularly in low-lying and poorly drained locations.
The development reinforces earlier advisories from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, which cautioned farmers against early planting following what it described as “deceptive rains” recorded in February and early March. Recall that Experts had warned that such irregular rainfall patterns could mislead farmers and increase the risk of crop losses.
Similarly, the Lagos State Government had in March urged residents to prepare for heavy rainfall and possible flash floods as the rainy season approaches, pointing to the likelihood of above-normal precipitation this year.
There are suggestions that the increasing frequency of early and intense rainfall events is hinged on broader climate variability, which is making weather patterns less predictable and heightening the risk of disasters.
Residents in affected areas have been advised to clear drainage channels, avoid flood-prone zones, and stay updated with official weather forecasts and emergency information.
