Posted by Chinenye on Fri 08th May, 2026 - tori.ng
The National Emergency Management Agency has issued a flood alert to residents of Kebbi State ahead of the 2026 rainy season, warning of possible flooding, windstorms, and prolonged dry spells.
(Flood in Kebbi. Photo by the nation news)
Before the 2026 rainy season, the National Emergency Management Agency, or NEMA, has warned Kebbi State citizens about potential flooding and other weather-related risks.
The warning came after the Nigerian Meteorological Agency's (NiMet) 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency's (NIHSA) 2026 Annual Flood Outlook.
Tukur Abubakar, the head of the NEMA Sokoto Operations Office, said in a statement released in Birnin Kebbi on Friday that Kebbi was one of the states designated as high flood-risk locations for 2026.
The state is predicted to see more rainfall than in 2025, with flash floods potentially occurring in a number of localities, according to the statement.
According to the statement, "Kebbi has been classified among Nigeria's high flood-risk states for 2026 and is projected to experience flooding under high, medium, and low-risk categories across various communities."
Additionally, the agency cautioned those living in riverine and low-lying regions to be on the lookout for potential windstorms at the start of the rainy season and to obey evacuation orders and flood warnings as needed.
NEMA warned that rising water levels in the Kebbi River could have an impact on infrastructure, farmlands, and towns, identifying July to September as the main flood period.
It further stated that approximately 97 road segments throughout the state were at risk of flooding and that high water levels could last into October and November.
Additionally, the government warned drivers not to drive on flooded highways since floodwaters may hide vulnerable bridges and damaged roads.
NEMA has issued a warning that farming operations and crop production may be impacted by a protracted dry period that could occur in Kebbi between June and August.
Planting drought-tolerant and early-maturing crops is one of the climate-smart agriculture strategies that farmers were recommended to implement.
Arewa, Dandi, Aleiro, Kalgo, Bunza, Birnin Kebbi, Argungu, Augie, Jega, and Maiyama were identified by the agency as the local government areas impacted.
Additionally, residents were instructed to remove obstructed rivers and drainage systems, refrain from carelessly disposing of trash, and, if needed, move away from flood-prone locations.