The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned that Cross River State could face severe flooding during the 2026 rainy season due to expected above-normal rainfall, rising temperatures, and a prolonged wet season.
According to NiMet’s 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction, rainfall in the state is expected to start earlier and end later than usual, increasing the risk of flash floods, environmental damage, and destruction of farmlands, especially in Calabar and other vulnerable communities.
Reacting to the forecast, the Cross River State Government urged residents to take preventive measures, including clearing drainage channels, avoiding flood-prone areas, and following safety advisories.
Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Erasmus Ekpang, also advised farmers to adopt climate-smart practices rather than relying on early rainfall patterns.
Despite the warning, residents and stakeholders remain concerned over poor drainage systems, weak infrastructure, and limited emergency preparedness across flood-prone areas.
Experts have called for urgent intervention through desilting drains, strengthening embankments, identifying emergency shelters, and improving coordination between disaster response agencies before peak rainfall begins.
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Environment