The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has warned that 27 states across the country may experience flash flooding between July 1 and July 10 as rainfall intensifies across Nigeria.

In its flash flood risk outlook for the first ten days of July, the agency said persistent rainfall in June has already saturated the soil in many parts of the country, increasing the risk of flooding from further heavy downpours.

NiMet explained that July typically marks the peak of the rainy season, a period when flash floods become more likely, particularly in low-lying communities, urban centres, coastal areas and locations with poor drainage systems. The states listed as high-risk include Taraba, Sokoto, Borno, Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Plateau, Adamawa, Kwara, Kogi, Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Osun, Ekiti, Delta, Edo, Abia, Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers and Bayelsa.

The agency also cautioned that severe rainfall could disrupt electricity supply and telecommunications services in affected areas, while reducing visibility for motorists and airline operators, and warned that flooding could damage roads, bridges, drainage systems and farmlands, leading to possible crop losses and wider economic disruption. It also urged health authorities to prepare for a potential increase in waterborne diseases linked to stagnant floodwaters and poor sanitation.