Kano State, Nigeria – As the rainy season approaches, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) has sounded the alarm for residents of Kano State, particularly those in 14 out of its 44 Local Government Areas (LGAs), warning of a high-risk flooding possibility.
This cautionary note was delivered by Dr. Nuradeen Abdullahi, the NiMET Kano/Jigawa Territorial Coordinator, during a crucial Disaster Risk Management Stakeholders Coordination Meeting on Seasonal Climate Prediction and Annual Flood Outlook held in Kano.
The 14 LGAs identified as high-risk areas include Rimin Gado, Tofa, Kabo, Madobi, Garum Malam, Bebeji, Rano, Dawakin Kudu, Warawa, Wudil, Sumaila, Ajingi, Kura, and Dala.
Additionally, five other LGAs, namely Karaye, Takai, Bunkure, Dawakin Tofa, and Makoda, have been categorized as moderately prone to high-risk flooding.
Dr. Abdullahi emphasized the necessity for proactive measures, stressing that while 25 LGAs are deemed at low risk, complacency is not an option.
He underlined the vulnerability of women and children during the rainy season, urging residents in flood-prone zones to take preemptive actions to safeguard lives and property.
Highlighting the collaborative efforts to address the imminent threat, Hajiya Amina Abdullahi, the Commissioner for Humanitarian and Poverty Eradication in the state, disclosed the establishment of a high-powered committee spearheaded by Deputy Governor Malam Aminu Abdulsalam.
The committee’s mandate focuses on the systematic evacuation of drainages across all 44 LGAs to preempt flooding disasters.
In her statement, Commissioner Amina Abdullahi underscored the critical role of preparedness and swift response in mitigating the impact of environmental emergencies.
She reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to shielding residents from natural and environmental hazards.
The partnership between NiMET and local stakeholders, particularly the Kano State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), underscores a proactive approach to disaster management.
The joint efforts seek to raise awareness, implement preventive measures, and enhance response capabilities to avert potential devastation.
Amidst these efforts, community engagement emerges as a linchpin in disaster resilience.
Collaborative initiatives involving government agencies, civil society organizations, and grassroots communities are essential for effective risk reduction and response strategies.
As Kano State braces itself for the upcoming rainy season, the proactive stance taken by authorities and stakeholders signifies a collective resolve to safeguard lives, homes, and livelihoods.
With coordinated planning and community involvement, the state stands better equipped to navigate the challenges posed by natural disasters and build a more resilient future.
