Kebbi State flood risk 2026 warning issued by NEMA as residents are urged to prepare for possible flooding, windstorms and climate impacts

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has issued a warning to residents of Kebbi State over possible flooding and other weather-related hazards ahead of the 2026 rainy season.

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Kebbi State flood risk 2026 alert follows projections from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), both of which highlighted increased flood vulnerability across several parts of the country.

In a statement released in Birnin Kebbi, the Head of NEMA Sokoto Operations Office, Tukur Abubakar, said the state had been classified among Nigeria’s high-risk flood zones for the coming year.

He noted that Kebbi State is expected to experience heavier rainfall than in 2025, with a heightened possibility of flash floods affecting multiple communities.

“Kebbi has been classified among Nigeria’s high flood-risk states for 2026 and is projected to experience flooding under high, medium and low-risk categories across various communities,” the statement read.

The agency also warned of potential windstorms at the onset of the rainy season and urged residents in riverine and low-lying areas to remain alert and adhere to evacuation directives when necessary.

According to NEMA, the peak flood period is expected between July and September, when rising water levels in the River Niger and other waterways could impact farmlands, homes and infrastructure.

The agency further cautioned that elevated water levels may persist into October and November, with as many as 97 road sections across the state identified as vulnerable to flooding.

Motorists were advised to avoid driving through flooded roads, as water levels may conceal damaged surfaces and weakened bridges.

NEMA also warned that Kebbi State could experience a prolonged dry spell between June and August, which may negatively affect agricultural activities and crop yields.

Farmers were encouraged to adopt climate-smart practices, including planting drought-resistant and early-maturing crops to mitigate potential losses.

The affected local government areas include Arewa, Dandi, Aleiro, Kalgo, Bunza, Birnin Kebbi, Argungu, Augie, Jega and Maiyama.

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Residents were further urged to clear blocked drainage systems, avoid indiscriminate waste disposal and consider relocating from flood-prone communities where necessary.