The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) has identified Ebonyi State as one of the regions most at risk of cholera and other waterborne diseases due to the heavy rainfall and flooding expected in 2025. In the agency’s 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction, NiMET warned that flood-prone communities in Ebonyi and other states with poor sanitation practices could face significant public health threats, particularly where open defecation remains common.
“Floodwaters can contaminate water sources, increasing the likelihood of cholera, dysentery, diarrhoea, and even malaria outbreaks,” the agency cautioned.
NiMET warned that the floodwaters would likely contaminate drinking water, which could lead to outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, dysentery, diarrhoea, and even malaria. Additionally, the forecasted rainfall could also increase the spread of respiratory infections and other health issues associated with damp conditions.
Ebonyi is expected to experience between 200 and 250 rainy days throughout the year, with rainfall beginning between March and April, marking a significant increase from previous years. The region may also experience a moderate dry spell lasting up to 15 days.
NiMET has forecasted above-normal rainfall for Ebonyi, alongside Kaduna, Lagos, Cross River, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This excess rainfall could lead to flash floods, infrastructure damage, and a rise in health challenges, particularly in rural communities like Izzi, Ohaukwu, Ezza North, and Afikpo, where access to clean water and healthcare remains limited.
The agency also warned of a possible spike in heat-related illnesses, meningitis, and fungal infections due to the prolonged damp conditions, urging residents to adopt hygiene practices and take preventive measures against waterborne diseases.
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