The Federal Government has placed 15 of the 19 northern states on red alert for possible flooding, warning residents in high-risk areas to take urgent precautions to protect lives and property.

In a circular issued on Sunday in Abuja by the Federal Ministry of Environment’s National Flood Early Warning (FEW) Centre, the government said the warning follows forecasts of heavy rainfall between August 10 and August 14, 2025.

The statement, signed by Usman Abdullahi Bokani, Director of the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, listed the affected states as Adamawa, Bauchi, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Kano, Niger, Taraba, Jigawa, Yobe, Zamfara, Sokoto, Borno, and Kwara.

Kebbi State tops the list with 10 flagged flood-prone locations, including Kamba, Kangiwa, Kalgo, Ribah, Sakaba, Saminaka, Gwandu, Jega, and Birnin Kebbi.

Bokani urged citizens to mobilise quickly, while calling on local authorities and state emergency management agencies to implement safety measures and prepare for possible evacuations. He also appealed for timely feedback on any flood incidents to ensure rapid emergency response.