By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.

As the rainfall season peaks across Nigeria, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a Flash Flood Risk Alert for July 2025, warning of potential flooding in 20 states, including Sokoto Ondo, amongst others.

This latest alert follows NiMet’s Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) for the year, emphasizing the urgent need for nationwide preparedness and swift action.

According to an infographic shared with NATIONAL PERICOPE via email on Monday, Sokoto State has been identified as a high-risk area for flash floods along with 19 other states: Kaduna, Zamfara, Yobe, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Jigawa, Adamawa, Taraba, Niger, Nasarawa, Benue, Ogun, Ondo, Lagos, Delta, Edo, Cross River, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom.

In response to these predictions, NiMet has issued vital advisories aimed at mitigating the potential impacts of flash floods and ensuring public safety.

The agency strongly urged residents to “clear all drainage systems around their homes and communities to ensure the unhindered flow of water.”

Additionally, the public is advised to avoid driving or walking through flooded areas, as “currents can be deceptive and hidden hazards may pose significant dangers.”

The agency noted that the flash flood risk alert for July 2025 shows the states with varying probable risks of experiencing flash flooding events as a result of the setting-in of onset of rainfall across the country as predicted in NiMet Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) and some advisories to mitigate its impacts.

NiMet also recommended that individuals living in low-lying areas or those identified as high-risk consider relocating to safer ground if warnings are issued.

Households are encouraged to prepare an emergency kit with essential items such as non-perishable food, water, first aid supplies, a flashlight, and a power bank.

In the event of flooding, it is critically important to “turn off all electricity and gas supplies to prevent electrocution and potential explosions,” NiMet warned.

For communities in hilly or mountainous regions, NiMet stressed the importance of taking proactive measures to strengthen mudslide prevention, especially in areas prone to soil erosion.

The agency emphasized the collective responsibility of community leaders and residents to promote widespread awareness of flood risks and safety measures, urging everyone to act promptly on alerts and stay informed through official channels for updates on weather conditions.