The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised alarm over a looming public health crisis, warning of a high risk of cholera and other disease outbreaks in the wake of predicted flooding across parts of the country.
In a public health advisory, the agency said forecasts from the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) show that heavy rainfall and flooding are expected between April 13 and 17, 2026, putting several states on high alert.
States identified as high-risk include Adamawa, Enugu, Kaduna, Kogi, Niger, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Taraba and Kwara, where flooding could significantly impact communities and strain health systems.
The NCDC cautioned that floodwaters may contaminate drinking sources, potentially triggering outbreaks of cholera and other diarrhoeal diseases.
It also warned of a possible rise in malaria cases, injuries, and disruptions to healthcare services in affected areas.
Residents were urged to adopt preventive measures such as drinking only safe water—either boiled or chlorinated—maintaining proper hand hygiene, avoiding contact with floodwaters, and ensuring safe food storage and sanitation.
The agency also recommended the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets to curb malaria transmission.
“Individuals experiencing symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, or fever should seek immediate medical attention,” the agency said.
The NCDC further called on community leaders to intensify awareness campaigns, promote sanitation, improve access to clean water, and encourage early reporting of suspected cases.
It added that it is collaborating with state governments to strengthen disease surveillance, preparedness, and emergency response efforts, as concerns grow over the recurring health risks linked to seasonal flooding in vulnerable communities.
