The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency has warned of a high risk of riverine flooding in 15 states between September 19 and 25.
In its national flood advisory released on Friday, the agency said rising water levels in rivers could cause flooding in communities situated on floodplains during the seven-day period.
The states listed in the warning are Imo, Cross River, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Rivers, Edo, Kogi, Taraba, Delta, Bayelsa, Enugu and Abia.
NIHSA said nine river stations had been identified as being at risk and would require close monitoring. Among the locations mentioned were Obubra, Itigidi and Epento along the Cross River.
The agency said a large number of residents and essential facilities could be affected by flooding across the identified areas.
In Cross River State alone, NIHSA identified 2,471 communities, 703 schools, 344 health facilities, 145 markets, 453 religious centres and 854 hectares of farmland as being located within flood-risk areas.
The Director-General of NIHSA, Umar Mohammed, urged state and local government emergency management authorities, traditional rulers and community leaders to begin taking precautionary steps.
Mohammed, in a statement issued on Saturday, advised residents in vulnerable communities to relocate people, livestock and important belongings to higher and safer locations whenever necessary.
He also urged communities to activate their local early-warning and emergency response systems while keeping track of NIHSA’s flood advisories and updates on river levels.
Residents were warned against attempting to cross flooded roads, bridges or fast-moving water, whether on foot or in vehicles.
Mohammed further called on relevant authorities and communities to prepare relief materials in advance, including safe drinking water, water-treatment supplies and first-aid items.
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He also advised authorities to identify and prepare suitable shelters in case temporary evacuation becomes necessary.
The NIHSA boss encouraged residents to clear blocked drainage channels and river outlets where it could be done safely, while warning against construction or settlement in areas vulnerable to flooding.
He stressed that taking action early and complying with official flood warnings would be essential to limiting potential damage to lives, property and livelihoods.
Mohammed said NIHSA would continue monitoring river levels and hydrological conditions across the affected areas and provide additional advisories when necessary.