If you live in a flood-prone part of Nigeria, this is the kind of warning you do not want to ignore. With heavy rainfall and rising river levels still affecting several parts of the country, thousands of communities and public facilities could be exposed to flooding this week.

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has warned that more than 8,000 communities and about 4,500 schools across 15 states are at risk between September 19 and 25.

The warning covers states including Lagos, Rivers, Bayelsa, Kogi, Benue, Anambra, Ebonyi, Cross River, Imo, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Enugu, Abia and Taraba.

According to NiHSA, rising river levels could cause flooding in low-lying communities, affecting not just homes but also schools, healthcare centres, markets, farms and places of worship.

For many Nigerians, this is more than a weather report. A flooded road can mean a missed day at work. A flooded shop can mean damaged goods. For parents, it can mean children staying home from school. For business owners, a few days of disruption can quickly become a serious financial setback.

NiHSA Director-General Arch Umar Mohammed has advised people living in vulnerable communities, particularly those on floodplains, to prepare to move to safer and higher ground when necessary.

Cross River, Ebonyi, Anambra and Imo are among the states with significant exposure, according to the advisory. The agency also identified several communities and facilities across these areas that could be affected if river levels continue to rise.

The message is simple: do not wait until the water enters your compound before making a plan. Businesses in vulnerable areas should protect important documents, stock, equipment and customer records, while residents should monitor official warnings and have an evacuation plan.

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