Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, has alerted the nation that 23 states are facing what she called “severe flooding” in this year’s rainy season. She quoted NiMet as having identified 23 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, as high flood-risk areas in 2026.

Speaking at a collaborative effort of the Agency with the Delta State Government in Asaba yesterday, Zubaida said that the states that are expected to experience severe flooding during the rainy season covered 132 local government areas.

Zubaida, who was represented at the event by the South-South Zonal Director of the Agency, Eric Ebhodaghe, said over 14,000 communities across 266 local government areas nationwide fell within high floodrisk zones.

The report projected severe flooding in parts of Isoko North, Patani, Ndokwa East, Bomadi, Ughelli North and Oshimili South during the early rainy season.

“Communities in Burutu, Warri North, Warri South and Aniocha South are expected to face heightened flood threats between July and September.” She advised residents in flood-prone communities to remain vigilant, while stakeholders were urged to strengthen communication, preparedness and coordinated disaster response mechanisms.