The Federal Government has warned that 915 communities across 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) could face serious flooding between August 27 and September 9, 2026, urging residents in the affected areas to prepare for possible emergencies and evacuation.

The warning was issued through the National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre, which classified the 915 communities under its critical-risk category. The centre also identified 429 communities across seven states as being at high risk, while another 656 communities in 13 states were placed under moderate flood-risk watch.

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The states listed under the critical-risk category are Kogi, Benue, Rivers, Edo, Delta, Cross River, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo. Major cities and communities that could be affected include Lokoja, Makurdi, Port Harcourt, Benin City, Asaba, Calabar, Yenagoa, Uyo, Aba, Onitsha, Enugu, Owerri, Lagos, Abeokuta, Akure, Osogbo and Ibadan.

According to the government, the heightened flood risk is being driven by high soil moisture, continued rainfall, rapid surface runoff, pressure on drainage systems and rising river levels.

In an advisory issued by the Director of the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, Usman Abdullahi Bokani, residents in critically affected communities were urged to begin preparations immediately and identify the safest evacuation routes should the need arise.

The government also advised residents to remain alert, monitor official flood warnings and take precautionary measures to protect lives and property as rainfall continues.