Delta Activates Flood Emergency Preparations as 108 Communities Face High Risk

The development was announced after the inaugural meeting of the 2026 State Flood Emergency Committee, chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, on behalf of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

The meeting focused on strengthening the state’s preparedness and response measures as flood risks increase across parts of Delta.

The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has identified about 108 communities across 15 local government areas as highly vulnerable to flooding, placing the state among areas requiring close monitoring as the rainy season continues.

The affected local government areas are Aniocha North, Oshimili North, Oshimili South, Ndokwa East, Isoko North, Isoko South, Udu, Patani, Sapele, Okpe, Burutu, Bomadi, Ukwuani, Ethiope East and Warri South-West.

The state’s preparedness measures include increased public awareness, the deployment of real-time flood alerts, provision of emergency relief supplies and closer engagement with local government areas considered vulnerable.

The government also plans immediate clearing and desilting of drainage channels as part of efforts to improve the flow of stormwater and reduce the risk of flooding in affected communities.

The move comes against the backdrop of a NiHSA advisory warning of heightened riverine flood risks in Delta and other states between September 19 and 25, 2026. The agency has advised people living in floodplains, riverbanks and other low-lying areas to prepare to move to higher ground where necessary.

NiHSA's warning forms part of wider national flood preparedness efforts, with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) also directing its operations offices in affected states to activate existing preparedness mechanisms and remain ready to support emergency response.

For Delta, the latest state-level measures are aimed at ensuring that warnings translate into early action, particularly in communities where flooding could threaten homes, roads, livelihoods and other infrastructure.