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By Francesca Hangeior

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has warned of a flash flood risk alert for the first dekad of July (July 1–10).

NiMET warns that widespread rainfall expected during the period could trigger flooding across 27 states as the country enters the peak of the rainy season.

In the advisory, NiMet attributed the heightened risk to the persistent rainfall experienced in June, which it said has left soils across much of the country unable to absorb additional precipitation.

“Following widespread rainfall recorded across many parts of Nigeria in June, soils have become heavily saturated, reducing their ability to absorb additional rainfall.

“As July marks the beginning of the peak rainy season, the risk of flash flooding is expected to increase, particularly in low-lying, urban, coastal, and poorly drained areas,” the Sunday statement read.

According to the agency, states likely to experience flash flooding during the period include “Taraba, Sokoto, Borno, Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Plateau, Adamawa, Kwara, Kogi, Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Osun, Ekiti, Delta, Edo, Abia, Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers and Bayelsa.”

It warned that the anticipated heavy rainfall could have far-reaching consequences for transportation, public utilities, agriculture, infrastructure and public health.

The weather agency asserted that the heavy rainfall could “trigger localized flooding, resulting in traffic gridlock, road closures and disruptions to transportation.”

The agency also cautioned that “temporary power and telecommunications outages may occur in affected areas, while poor visibility during intense rainfall could pose risks to motorists and aviation operations.”

The forecast further highlighted the potential for waterlogging of farmlands, with possible crop losses, as well as damage to roads, bridges, drainage infrastructure and other public facilities.

Health officials were also urged to remain vigilant over the increased risk of waterborne diseases associated with stagnant floodwaters and poor sanitation.

To minimise the impact of the expected flooding, NiMet urged residents and emergency responders to take preventive measures without delay.

The agency advised Nigerians to: “Follow weather forecasts and flash flood advisories issued by NiMet; keep drains, gutters, and waterways free of refuse to ensure the free flow of water.

“Also, it said it should secure loose outdoor objects and reinforce vulnerable structures; and avoid walking or driving through floodwaters.”

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By Francesca Hangeior
 
The Federal Government has concluded arrangements to evacuate 270 Nigerians from South Africa as part of its ongoing repatriation exercise for citizens willing to return home.

The returnees are expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, in the early hours of Wednesday aboard an Air Peace aircraft deployed for the evacuation.

The latest evacuation follows the Federal Government’s continued efforts, through the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and other relevant agencies, to facilitate the voluntary return of Nigerians facing various challenges in South Africa.

Announcing the schedule for the operation in a statement by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, on Monday, the FG disclosed that the aircraft would depart Lagos on Tuesday afternoon for Johannesburg, before returning with the evacuees overnight.

The statement read, “In continuation of the ongoing evacuation of our nationals from South Africa, the Air Peace aircraft deployed for the process is expected to depart Lagos tomorrow, Tuesday 7 July, 2026, for Johannesburg, South Africa at 3.30 p.m.

“The aircraft will depart Johannesburg for Lagos with 270 returnees at 12.00 midnight, and the estimated time of arrival at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos is 5.00 a.m. on Wednesday, 8 July, 2026, all things being equal.”

It could be recalled that the Federal Government has, over the years, undertaken several evacuation exercises involving Nigerians stranded abroad due to security concerns, economic hardship, immigration issues and humanitarian emergencies.

Air Peace has also played a key role in previous government-assisted evacuation missions, including the repatriation of Nigerians from countries affected by conflicts and other crises.

The latest exercise underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring the safe return of its citizens who have indicated a willingness to come back to Nigeria.

The Federal Government assured Nigerians still residing in South Africa of their safety, even as fresh concerns over xenophobic tensions and renewed anti-immigrant protests continue to trigger calls for stronger diplomatic action.

The assurance came after Nigerians reportedly stormed the country’s embassy in Pretoria as xenophobic tensions escalated, while another batch of 269 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Tuesday aboard an Air Peace flight from Johannesburg at 10.48 am, marking the second government-coordinated evacuation exercise in recent weeks.