The Federal Government has raised a nationwide red flag over imminent flooding, warning that 19 states and 76 locations across the country face serious risk of flood disasters due to forecasted heavy rainfall from August 5 to 9, 2025.

This critical alert, issued on Tuesday by the National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre under the Federal Ministry of Environment, calls on citizens, state authorities, and emergency agencies to act swiftly to prevent loss of lives and large-scale damage to property.

The warning comes in the wake of recent devastating floods in Ogun and Gombe States, and ongoing flood-related incidents in Lagos, Plateau, Anambra, and Delta States. With the ground already saturated in many of these areas, officials fear even moderate rainfall could result in severe flooding.

In a statement accompanying the alert, the Ministry underscored the urgency of preparedness, warning that the country remains extremely vulnerable to seasonal flood disasters. “In 2024 alone, flooding affected 31 states, claimed hundreds of lives, and displaced over 1.2 million people,” the Centre noted.

One of the deadliest incidents cited was the collapse of the Alau Dam in Borno State on September 10, 2024, which led to the deaths of at least 150 people and the displacement of more than 419,000 residents. Similarly, a dam failure triggered by heavy rains in Mokwa, Niger State, earlier this year left 200 people dead and thousands more homeless.

The Ministry has appealed to Nigerians to remain alert, monitor weather updates, avoid flood-prone areas, and fully cooperate with emergency response agencies. Officials warn that without proactive steps, the country could once again witness avoidable loss of life and infrastructure collapse.