The Federal Government of Nigeria has warned 915 communities across 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory of critical flood risk between August 27 and September 9.
The National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre classified the communities as being at critical risk and urged residents to take immediate precautions and prepare for possible evacuation.
Another 429 communities across seven states were classified as high risk, while 656 communities in 13 states were placed under moderate-risk watch.
The 19 states on the critical-risk list 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 named in the warning include Lokoja, Makurdi, Port Harcourt, Benin City, Asaba, Calabar, Yenagoa, Uyo, Aba, Onitsha, Enugu, Owerri, Lagos, Abeokuta, Akure, Osogbo and Ibadan.
The government attributed the increased flood risk to high soil moisture, rainfall, rapid surface runoff, drainage surcharge and rising river levels.
In an advisory signed by Usman Abdullahi Bokani, director of the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, residents were urged to maintain an immediate flood watch and verify evacuation routes.
They were also advised to protect vulnerable household members and avoid settling, parking, trading or storing goods in floodplains, wetlands, riverbanks and low-lying drainage areas.
The government directed state emergency agencies and community flood officials to increase surveillance around rivers, streams, culverts, bridges, drains and other flood-prone areas.
Residents were further advised to keep children away from floodwater and avoid walking or driving through moving water.
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