After seeing devastating floods last year in countries like Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Pakistan, followed by India, Nepal, South Korea, China, the United States and Europe, now West Africa is also at risk of flash floods in 2026.
The National Hydrological Agency noted that the figures are broadly in line with previous years and said in its annual flood outlook that flooding is expected to peak between July and September, coinciding with the height of the rainy season.
The agency said Nigeria faces the threat of widespread flooding this year, affecting 36 states in 33 countries as well as thousands of communities in the Federal Capital Territory.
NIHSA classified more than 14,000 communities as being at high risk, while an additional 15,600 are considered at moderate risk.
Nigeria regularly experiences flooding during the rainy season, which runs from April to October. In recent years, severe flood events have led to widespread displacement, agricultural loss, and hundreds of deaths.
As reported, the agency warned that cities, critical infrastructure including farms could all be affected during floods and heavy rains.
Additionally it stressed that major urban centers including Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt are at risk of severe flooding, while coastal states such as Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers and Lagos are at increased risk of riverine and tidal flooding.
