Rivers State on High Alert as NiMet Issues New Flood Warning for 2025
Port Harcourt, July 8, 2025 – Rivers State faces a looming threat of severe flooding as the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) releases its 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP), sounding an alarm for coastal and southern states. The agency has flagged Rivers, alongside Bayelsa, Delta, Lagos, Anambra, and others, as particularly vulnerable to flash floods and riverine inundation during the upcoming rainy season. With the state’s low-lying terrain, extensive river networks, and history of devastating floods, authorities and residents are bracing for potential impacts.
NiMet’s Flood Forecast for 2025
NiMet’s SCP, unveiled earlier this year, projects an early onset of the rainy season across Nigeria’s southern states, including Rivers, with rainfall expected to commence as early as April and persist through October. While the annual rainfall volume is predicted to be normal to below-normal in some areas, NiMet warns of intense, above-average downpours during peak periods, particularly in May and June. These conditions, coupled with poor drainage systems and unplanned urban development, heighten the risk of flash floods in Rivers State’s urban centers like Port Harcourt and its surrounding communities.
The agency’s alert emphasizes the state’s geographic vulnerability as a coastal region crisscrossed by tributaries of the Niger River. Heavy rainfall upstream, combined with rising water levels in the Niger and its delta, could exacerbate flooding downstream, threatening lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure. NiMet’s Director-General, Professor Charles Anosike, urged proactive measures, stating, “Early warning is critical. State governments and communities must act swiftly to mitigate flood risks, especially in high-risk zones like Rivers.”
NIHSA Reinforces Flood Concerns
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) echoed NiMet’s warnings, noting that Rivers State and other south-south states face increased flood risks as floodwaters from the Niger River flow toward the Atlantic Ocean. NIHSA’s 2025 Annual Flood Outlook identifies Rivers as a hotspot due to its position in the Niger Delta, where tidal surges and river overflows often converge. The agency has called for heightened vigilance, particularly in communities along riverbanks and floodplains.
“Rivers State’s topography makes it a natural sink for floodwaters,” said NIHSA’s Director-General, Umar Mohammed. “We’re working with state agencies to monitor water levels and ensure timely interventions, but community preparedness is equally vital.”
A History of Flood Devastation
Rivers State is no stranger to catastrophic flooding. In 2022, the state was among the hardest hit during Nigeria’s worst flooding in a decade, which displaced over 1.4 million people nationwide. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), 337,393 individuals across nine Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Rivers were affected, with 123,233 displaced. Homes, farmlands, and businesses were submerged, particularly in areas like Ahoada, Obio/Akpor, and Degema, leaving communities struggling to recover.
The 2022 floods exposed systemic challenges, including inadequate drainage infrastructure, unregulated construction on floodplains, and delayed emergency responses. These issues persist, raising concerns about the state’s readiness for another potential crisis.
Government and Community Response
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has announced collaborative efforts with the Rivers State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to prepare for the 2025 rainy season. Measures include prepositioning relief materials, conducting joint flood risk assessments, and training local responders. NEMA’s Director-General, Zubaida Umar, emphasized the importance of community involvement, urging residents to heed early warnings and avoid building on waterways.
Local authorities have also advised residents in flood-prone areas, particularly along the Orashi and Bonny Rivers, to relocate to higher ground. Community leaders in Okrika, Andoni, and Oyigbo are organizing awareness campaigns to educate residents on flood preparedness, including safe evacuation routes and emergency contacts.
Urgent Call to Action
NiMet and NIHSA have outlined several recommendations to mitigate flood risks in Rivers State:
- Clear Drainage Systems: Local governments should desilt canals and gutters to ensure unobstructed water flow.
- Relocate Vulnerable Communities: Residents along riverbanks should move to designated safe zones before the rains intensify.
- Strengthen Infrastructure: Investments in flood barriers, embankments, and improved urban planning are critical.
- Public Awareness: Communities should stay informed through NiMet’s weather updates and NEMA’s alerts.
Residents are also encouraged to monitor real-time updates from NiMet’s website (www.nimet.gov.ng) and NEMA’s social media channels. For emergency assistance, contact NEMA’s toll-free line at 112 or Rivers SEMA’s local hotlines.
A Broader Regional Threat
Rivers State’s flood risk is part of a broader regional challenge. NiMet’s SCP identifies 22 states across Nigeria’s southern, central, and northern zones as flood-prone in 2025. Recent reports from Niger State, where over 200 people perished in Mokwa floods, underscore the urgency of preparedness. In the south-south, Bayelsa and Delta face similar threats, with Bayelsa’s coastal communities already reporting early inundation.
The interplay of climate change, urban sprawl, and environmental degradation has intensified Nigeria’s flood vulnerability. Experts warn that without sustained investments in climate-resilient infrastructure and disaster risk reduction, the human and economic toll of floods will continue to rise.
Looking Ahead
As Rivers State prepares for the 2025 rainy season, the NiMet flood alert serves as a critical wake-up call. While no specific flood events have been reported in the state as of July 8, 2025, the combination of heavy rainfall forecasts, geographic exposure, and historical precedent demands urgent action. Collaboration between government agencies, communities, and international partners will be key to averting a repeat of past disasters.
For now, residents of Rivers State are urged to stay vigilant, heed official warnings, and take proactive steps to protect themselves and their properties. As the rains approach, the state’s resilience will be tested, but with timely preparation, the worst impacts of flooding can be mitigated.
