The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, has alerted residents of Kebbi State to possible flooding and other weather-related hazards ahead of the 2026 rainy season.
The warning followed projections contained in the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook issued by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).
In a statement issued on Friday in Birnin Kebbi, the Head of NEMA Sokoto Operations Office, Tukur Abubakar, said Kebbi was among the states classified as high flood-risk areas for 2026.
According to the statement, the state is expected to experience heavier rainfall than in 2025, with possible flash floods in several communities.
“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,” the statement said.
The agency also warned of possible windstorms at the onset of the rainy season and advised residents in riverine and low-lying communities to remain vigilant and comply with flood warnings and evacuation directives where necessary.
NEMA identified July to September as the peak flood period, warning that rising water levels in the Kebbi River could affect farmlands, settlements and infrastructure.
It added that elevated water levels could persist into October and November, while about 97 road sections across the state were at risk of flooding.
The agency also cautioned motorists against driving through flooded roads, noting that floodwaters could conceal damaged roads and weakened bridges.
NEMA further warned that Kebbi might experience a prolonged dry spell between June and August, which could affect farming activities and crop yields.
Farmers were advised to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices, including planting drought-tolerant and early-maturing crops.
The agency listed the affected local government areas as Arewa, Dandi, Aleiro, Kalgo, Bunza, Birnin Kebbi, Argungu, Augie, Jega and Maiyama.
Residents were also advised to clear blocked drainages and waterways, avoid indiscriminate dumping of refuse, and relocate from flood-prone areas where necessary.