The Federal Government has raised an early flood warning for communities across 10 states, citing forecasts of heavy rainfall between April 8 and April 12, 2026.
The advisory, released on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, by the National Flood Early Warning Centre under the Federal Ministry of Environment, highlights areas considered vulnerable to flooding within the five-day period.
The notice was signed by the Director of the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, Usman Bokani.
According to the forecast, intense rainfall may trigger flooding in parts of Ebonyi, Anambra, Ogun, Taraba, Cross River, Benue, Imo, Delta, Rivers and Abia states.
The ministry listed Afikpo and Nkalagu in Ebonyi; Atani, Iyowa Odekpe, Odekpe and Onitsha in Anambra; and Ayetoro and Ilaro in Ogun as locations at risk.
READ ALSO: Lagos Warns Residents: Prepare For Heavy Rainfall, Flooding
In Taraba, Donga, Kwata Kanawa, Lau, Serti, Takum and Yorro were identified, alongside Edor, Ikom and Itigidi in Cross River. Other areas include Igumale in Benue; Nworievbi, Okigwe, Otoko and Owerri in Imo; Oko Anara in Delta; Port Harcourt in Rivers; and Umuahia in Abia.
The government noted that adjoining communities may also be affected, as the projected rainfall could exceed local drainage capacity.
It urged residents, local councils and emergency agencies to take precautionary steps, including clearing waterways and activating response plans to limit potential damage.
The alert follows earlier guidance from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and federal authorities warning farmers against early planting due to deceptive rains recorded in February and early March 2026.
Separately, the Lagos State Government had in March cautioned residents to expect heavy rainfall and possible flash flooding as the rainy season approaches.