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Abuja, Nigeria, June 17, 2025 —  In the wake of devastating flash floods in northern Nigeria, the ̽����ѡ (̽����ѡ) is ramping up its flood preparedness and response efforts across the country to better protect at-risk communities.

Climate-change is fueling disasters and floods at unprecedented rates in places already affected by conflicts and crises. In 2024, unprecedented flooding in Nigeria caused food insecurity and cholera outbreaks, last month’s devastating flash floods in Niger State claimed over 150 lives. 

Brendan Nkechi Uke, ̽����ѡ client in the flood-prone Borrong community, Adamawa State, who has been part of the ̽����ѡ’s climate programme since 2023, said:

“It was really terrifying seeing that the only place you have and call home is actually being destroyed by climate change. What we did was take some of the properties that are very important, like books and some foodstuffs that are left in the house. 

I could remember last year we were told that the flooding will happen, I think some weeks before the flooding occurred. For many, many years in our community, we have suffered from this climate change and we don't have anyone that informs us about it until ̽����ѡ came with messages of warning and it really helped us a lot. We didn't lose as many properties as we used to in the past due to those messages.”

Babatunde Ojei, Country Director for ̽����ѡ in Nigeria, said:

“With heavy rains expected this season, we’re preparing for the very real risk of flooding in communities along the River Benue. That’s why we’re working hand in hand with government agencies to keep a close eye on water levels and adjust our flood warnings in real time. 

We know from experience that early action saves lives, but the recent floods in Niger State underscore a growing challenge: flash floods remain extremely difficult to predict using current systems. That’s why we’re combining better data, early warning systems, and direct support to help families prepare for what’s coming.”

When we know a crisis is incoming, taking anticipatory action can save lives and livelihoods. As climate change increases flood risk, ̽����ѡ research suggests community anticipatory actions could offer a valuable solution for helping vulnerable communities prepare in advance.

In partnership with the Upper River Benue Basin Development Authority, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, the ̽����ѡ incorporated indigenous knowledge, hydrological data, meteorological data and satellite information to set forecast-based thresholds for triggering anticipatory cash payments.

The ̽����ѡ delivers early warning messages through both traditional community networks and digital platforms, sending timely, actionable alerts directly to people’s phones. These efforts build on past practices involving local leaders and gatherings, helping communities better prepare for and respond to climate shocks.

The ̽����ѡ calls on international donors to provide funding for preventative response ahead of climate shocks, while improving financing to be multi-year, flexible, and adaptive. There is no excuse for waiting for disaster to strike and forcing vulnerable communities to make up for lost time.