The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has identified 166 communities in Kaduna State as vulnerable to severe river flooding, with peak rainfall intensifying the risk of both flash floods and overflow events.
Senior Hydrologist Yusuf Yakong issued the warning on Friday during a joint meeting of the 2026 flood strategic and tactical response teams in Kaduna. He confirmed that the alert draws on forecasts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and NIHSA, both of which place Kaduna among states at heightened risk.
According to Mr Yakong, NiMet has predicted flash floods in the area, while NIHSA’s advisory for 21–27 July classifies Kaduna under medium river flood risk. He further disclosed that 166 communities in Lere Local Government Area—along with 16 schools, three health facilities, and three places of worship—have been flagged as particularly exposed.
He added that NIHSA’s 2026 Annual Flood Outlook had earlier listed 21 local government areas in Kaduna as flood-prone.
“July, August, and September are the peak rainfall months. The soil is already saturated, and river levels are rising, which significantly increases the likelihood of flooding,” Mr Yakong explained.
He noted that the National Emergency Management Agency’s (NEMA) Geographic Information System (GIS) unit is currently validating the data before the updated list of vulnerable communities is circulated to stakeholders.
In response, Mubarak Zakari, Director of Relief and Disaster Management at the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA), assured that the agency is operationally prepared.
“Our priority is to extend preparedness to other flood-prone communities and ensure response teams are fully activated,” he stated.
Mr Zakari said KADSEMA has intensified surveillance of vulnerable locations and engaged all relevant stakeholders to enable rapid response where needed. He urged residents in high-risk areas to heed official advisories and relocate immediately whenever evacuation orders are issued.