The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, placed 10 states on heightened alert over forecasts of heavy rainfall and possible flooding, warning of an increased risk of cholera and other waterborne diseases.
The advisory covers Adamawa, Enugu, Kaduna, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Osun, Oyo, Plateau and Taraba states, where weather projections indicate intense rainfall between Sunday, April 13, 2026 and Thursday, April 17, 2026.
The warning is based on forecasts from the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which point to a heightened likelihood of flooding in vulnerable and low-lying areas during the period.
NCDC Director-General, Jide Idris, said the alert is particularly concerning as it coincides with Nigeria’s peak cholera season, when transmission typically increases due to environmental conditions and poor sanitation.
He warned that flooding could contaminate drinking water sources, overwhelm sanitation systems and accelerate the spread of cholera in affected communities.
He added that early surveillance data already shows a gradual rise in suspected cases in parts of the country.
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Idris also cautioned that residents face additional risks including drowning, injuries, snakebites and disruption of healthcare services, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas.
He stressed that the situation remains preventable, urging residents to use safe water, maintain strict hygiene, avoid contact with floodwaters and seek prompt medical care if symptoms such as acute diarrhoea or vomiting occur.
The NCDC called on community leaders and local authorities to intensify sanitation efforts, including clearing drainage channels and strengthening hygiene awareness at the grassroots level.
Idris said the agency is working with state health authorities to strengthen surveillance systems, improve preparedness and support rapid response capacity, while advising states to activate emergency coordination structures focused on water, sanitation and hygiene interventions.
Nigeria’s recurring flooding driven by seasonal rainfall, rapid urbanisation and weak drainage infrastructure, continues to pose persistent public health challenges.
As the forecast rainfall period approaches, health authorities say early reporting, coordinated response and public compliance will be key to preventing avoidable illness and deaths.