Nigeria Declares Flood Emergency After Heavy Rains Displace Thousands

Nigerian authorities declared a flood emergency on January 31 2026 across multiple states following heavy rainfall that displaced thousands of residents and damaged homes farmland and infrastructure. Emergency agencies said rivers overflowed in several regions forcing communities to evacuate to temporary shelters.

Officials reported that roads bridges and power facilities were affected complicating rescue and relief operations. Local governments coordinated with federal agencies to deliver food medical supplies and clean water to displaced families. Authorities warned that further rainfall could worsen conditions in vulnerable areas.

Environmental experts linked the severity of flooding to changing weather patterns and inadequate drainage systems. Communities in low lying regions were identified as particularly at risk. The government urged residents to heed evacuation warnings and cooperate with emergency responders.

Humanitarian organizations called for additional support to prevent disease outbreaks and ensure safe shelter conditions. Officials said recovery and rebuilding efforts would begin once waters recede but warned that climate related flooding is becoming an increasingly serious challenge for the country.