The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has placed 10 states on high alert, following forecasts of heavy rainfall and flooding.
It warned that the affected regions face an elevated risk of disease outbreaks, particularly cholera.
The Federal Government also noted that 14,118 communities nationwide currently face a high-risk flood threat.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Director-General of the NCDC, Jide Idris, said projections by the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency indicated that parts of Adamawa, Enugu, Kaduna, Kogi, Niger, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Taraba and Kwara states will experience intense rainfall between April 13 and 17, 2026.
Idris said the warning comes at a critical period in Nigeria’s public health calendar, as the country enters the seasonal window when cholera cases historically surge, with early surveillance data already indicating rising infections across several states.
“These forecasts are particularly concerning because they coincide with the period when cholera transmission typically accelerates.
“Flooding can contaminate water sources and disrupt sanitation systems, creating conditions for rapid spread,” he said.
Data from previous outbreaks in Nigeria show that flood-prone states often record spikes in cholera cases during the rainy season, especially in communities with limited access to potable water and poor waste management systems.
In recent years, thousands of suspected cases have been recorded annually during peak transmission periods, with fatalities largely linked to delayed treatment and weak health infrastructure.
Idris warned that beyond cholera, the affected states also face heightened risks of other diarrhoeal diseases and mosquito-borne infections such as malaria, which remains endemic and accounts for a significant disease burden nationwide.
“Floodwaters not only increase exposure to pathogens but also create breeding sites for mosquitoes, raising the risk of malaria and other infections,” he said.
He added that residents in the identified states may also face injuries, including drowning and snakebites, as well as disruptions in access to healthcare services, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Despite the risks, the NCDC boss emphasised that the potential health crisis can be mitigated through early action and public compliance with preventive measures.
“These risks are largely preventable. We urge residents in the affected states to ensure they use safe water, maintain hygiene, avoid contact with floodwaters, and seek prompt medical care if symptoms develop,” Idris said.
He also called on community leaders and local authorities in the 10 states to intensify environmental sanitation efforts, including clearing blocked drainage systems and promoting hygiene awareness at the grassroots level.
“Community-level action is critical. Early reporting of suspected cases and dissemination of accurate health information will go a long way in preventing outbreaks,” he added.
On preparedness, Idris said the NCDC was working closely with state ministries of health to strengthen surveillance systems, improve readiness, and support rapid response mechanisms in high-risk areas.
He noted that state governments had been advised to activate multisectoral emergency frameworks, particularly in water, sanitation, and hygiene services.
Nigeria’s recurring cycle of seasonal flooding has continued to pose significant public health challenges, driven by a combination of climate variability, rapid urbanisation, and inadequate drainage infrastructure.
14,000 communities high-risk
Unveiling the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook in Abuja on Wednesday, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, described the presentation as a major step toward strengthening Nigeria’s resilience against flooding and climate-related disasters.
He said flooding remained a critical national challenge, noting that the administration had rolled out nationwide flood control projects, particularly in high-risk states such as Adamawa, Benue, Kogi, Bayelsa, Rivers and Delta.
According to a statement by the Acting Director, Ministry of Water Resources, Agbajor Matthew, the minister said the government was shifting from a reactive to a proactive disaster management approach, especially after the devastating 2024 flooding in Maiduguri, Borno State.
He said the introduction of an anticipatory action framework, championed by the Office of the Vice President in collaboration with relevant agencies, had improved early warning systems and emergency response.
“The Annual Flood Outlook remains a vital planning tool for early action, mitigation and evacuation strategies across states and communities,” he said, commending its timely release ahead of the rainy season.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, warned that “14,118 communities in 266 local government areas across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory have been identified as high flood-risk zones for 2026.”
Utsev said the outlook, themed “Smart Water Resources Management – Moving from Oil to Water-Based Economy,” reflected the government’s push to reposition water as a driver of economic growth, agriculture and food security.
He further disclosed that 15,597 communities in 405 LGAs across 35 states fall within moderate flood risk zones, while 923 communities in 77 LGAs across 24 states were expected to experience minimal flooding.
The minister also raised concerns about increasing urban flooding in major cities and coastal flooding in riverine areas, noting improvements in forecasting systems and collaboration with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency to strengthen early warning mechanisms.
The Director-General of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, Umar Mohammed, described the Annual Flood Outlook as a critical tool for managing flood risks and enhancing climate resilience.
He highlighted new innovations introduced in the 2026 outlook, including artificial intelligence-driven modelling, a Flood Risk Intelligence system and a real-time dashboard with a mobile application to improve public access to flood alerts.
The event also featured goodwill messages from key stakeholders, including the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha; the Director-General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, Charles Anosike; and representatives of development partners.
Nigeria experiences seasonal flooding annually, often triggered by heavy rainfall, poor drainage infrastructure and the overflow of major rivers such as the Niger and Benue.
In recent years, floods have displaced thousands, destroyed farmlands and worsened food insecurity across several states.
Analysts warn that without sustained investment in resilient systems, flood-related disease outbreaks will remain a persistent threat, particularly in vulnerable states.
As heavy rains loom over the identified regions, health authorities stress that vigilance, early intervention, and community cooperation will be critical in preventing avoidable illness and deaths.
The PUNCH