Uka,Allisgrace

*NIGERIA RAINY SEASON 2026: NATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY ADVISORY*
_What Every Household Must Know & Do | July – September 2026_

1. THE NATIONAL SITUATION: WHY THIS YEAR IS CRITICAL
NiMet + NiHSA confirm flooding will peak July–September 2026. *33 states + FCT* are high-risk, with 14,000+ communities exposed. Soil nationwide is water-logged from continuous rain, so new downpours have nowhere to drain. Lagos, Abuja, PH, Kano, Benue, Kogi, Kaduna, Oyo, and coastal states face severe urban flooding.

This year’s rainfall is heavier and less predictable than previous years. Preparation, not panic, saves lives.

*2. POWER OUTAGES: WHY BLACKOUTS WILL LAST DAYS*
TCN has already declared _force majeure_ after floodwater shut down major substations like Oworonshoki & Lekki in Lagos, and damaged transmission towers in Osogbo. Control cables and transformers are submerged nationwide. Engineers cannot repair while rain continues.

*Expect:* 3–7 day outages after major floods in your area. Unplug appliances during storms to prevent damage from surges.

*3. WATER CONTAMINATION: THE THREAT IN EVERY STATE*
*All Nigerians, read carefully:* Flooding has forced dirty surface water deep underground. That same *underground water is the “raw material” for sachet water, bottled water, and millions of household boreholes nationwide.*

What this means:
1. *“Pure water” may no longer be pure.* Sewage, gutter waste, and flood contaminants have mixed with groundwater sources used by water factories.
2. *Your borehole/overhead tank may be contaminated*, even if it tested safe last month.
3. *NAFDAC must urgently test finished products from all water producers* — over 4 million registered + unregistered — to verify safety for citizens.
4. *Every household action:* Boil or chlorinate ALL drinking water from today, whether from borehole, well, sachet, or dispenser. Do not assume it is safe.

*4. DISEASE RISKS: WHAT FLOODS BRING TO YOUR DOORSTEP*
NCDC warns of *cholera, typhoid, malaria, dengue, yellow fever, Lassa fever* nationwide this season. How?
- Floodwater mixes sewage with water sources → cholera/typhoid
- Stagnant water breeds mosquitoes → malaria, dengue, yellow fever
- Displaced snakes/rodents enter homes → bites, Lassa fever

*Myth vs Fact:* Cold nights and fans do NOT cause disease or “clog arteries.” Germs in dirty water and mosquito bites do.

*5. NATIONAL 7-POINT ACTION PLAN FOR EVERY HOUSEHOLD*

**Action** **Why It Matters** **Do This Now**
**1. Water Safety** Boreholes + sachet water nationwide at risk Boil or chlorinate ALL drinking water. Store 50L sealed
**2. Drain & Cover** Stops flooding + mosquito breeding Clear gutters. Turn cans/tyres upside down. Drain compounds weekly
**3. Mosquito Defense** MSF treated 136,778 malaria cases in Zamfara alone Sleep under treated nets. Wear long sleeves 6pm–6am. Use repellent
**4. Food Hygiene** Cholera spreads via contaminated food Wash fruits/veg with salt/vinegar. Cook food thoroughly. Avoid floodwater food vendors
**5. Power Outage Kit** TCN confirms repairs take days/weeks Charge power banks. Fill gas. Keep cash. Get solar lamp/rechargeable bulbs
**6. Home Flood Defense** Saturated soil = faster water entry Use sandbags at doors. Move documents/electronics upstairs. Seal door gaps vs snakes/rodents
**7. Seek Help Fast** Cholera kills in hours Diarrhea + vomiting + fever = nearest clinic NOW. Don’t self-medicate

*6. IF FLOODWATER ENTERS YOUR HOME*
1. *Switch off mains* from outside if safe — live wires + water = electrocution.
2. *Don’t walk barefoot* — risk of snake bites, broken glass, contamination.
3. *Move to higher ground* — upper floors, neighbor’s house, designated shelters.

*7. FINAL WORD: NIGERIA MUST ACT AS ONE*
From Maiduguri to Lagos, Sokoto to Port Harcourt — no state is exempt. Government agencies are issuing alerts and dredging, but *your household preparedness is the first line of defense.*

*Don’t wait for NEPA. Don’t wait for NAFDAC inspections. Don’t assume your borehole or “pure water” is still safe.* Test it. Boil it. Protect your family.

_Share this with your family, church, mosque, office, and community groups. Stay informed, stay safe._

_Sources: NCDC, NiMet, NiHSA, TCN — July 2026 National Advisories_
_Compiled by: Elder Inyang A Inyang.