The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised concerns over a heightened risk of cholera and other disease outbreaks following forecasts of flooding in several parts of Nigeria.
According to projections from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Federal Ministry of Environment, heavy rainfall is expected between April 13 and 17, 2026, with a number of states likely to experience flooding.
The states identified as particularly vulnerable include Adamawa, Enugu, Kaduna, Kogi, Niger, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Taraba, and Kwara.
The NCDC warned that flooding conditions often create an environment conducive to the spread of infectious diseases. These include cholera and other diarrhoeal illnesses, as well as malaria and infections caused by contaminated water. The agency also noted that flooding can lead to injuries and disrupt access to healthcare services.
To reduce risks, residents in affected areas have been advised to adopt preventive measures such as drinking only safe water—either boiled or treated—maintaining proper hand hygiene, and avoiding direct contact with floodwaters.
Additional recommendations include safe food storage, improved sanitation practices, and the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets to guard against malaria.
The agency stated, “Individuals experiencing symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting or fever should seek immediate medical attention.”
The NCDC also urged community leaders to play an active role in raising awareness, promoting sanitation, ensuring access to clean water, and encouraging early reporting of suspected illnesses.
It added that it is collaborating with state governments to strengthen disease surveillance systems, improve preparedness, and enhance emergency response efforts in anticipation of the flooding.
The advisory comes amid ongoing concerns about the public health impact of seasonal flooding in Nigeria, which has historically contributed to outbreaks in vulnerable communities.
