Nigeria: Flooding risk threatens seven states August 30 /update 1

Event

On Thursday, August 30, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) warned that individuals residing in floodplains on the banks of the Niger River in the states of Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Kogi, Anambra, Delta, and Bayelsa should prepare for potential flooding. The warning comes after water levels increased upriver in Niger in recent days, causing river swelling downriver in the abovementioned states.

Some local dams have reached capacity with river waters spilling over and other may also spill over in the coming days, leading to flooding. Consequent transportation disruptions and power outages are to be anticipated in affected areas.

Context

Some affected areas of Nigeria are currently experiencing their rainy season, which generally lasts from April to October with rainfall totals peaking in September. Torrential downpours are a frequent occurrence during the rainy season further upriver in Niger - which lasts from May to September - and often lead to significant flooding and traffic disruptions.

Advice

Individuals in and traveling via the abovementioned states are advised to monitor local weather forecasts, avoid areas directly hit by flooding, prepare for associated transportation disruptions, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities (i.e. evacuation orders). Please be advised that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all food discarded.