The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has issued a warning that 362 vulnerable communities in 14 local government areas in Kano State are at high risk of flooding. This alarming revelation was made by NEMA’s Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, during a stakeholders meeting held in Kano. The meeting focused on Solid Waste Management and Flood Preparedness, with the aim of implementing early warning strategies to mitigate the impact of potential floods in the region.
The theme of the workshop was „Enhancing Community Resilience through Effective Solid Waste Management and Proactive Flood Preparedness.“ The importance of effective waste management in preventing flooding was emphasized, as improper solid waste disposal can obstruct the flow of rainwater and lead to overflow and flooding. The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) AFO has predicted that a population of 3,749,200 individuals in Kano State is at risk of flooding, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated efforts to manage disaster risks.
The local government areas identified as high-risk zones include Rimin Gado, Tofa, Kabo, Madobi, Garun Malam, Bebeji, Rano, Dawakin Kudu, Warawa, Wudil, Sumaila, Ajingi, Kura, and Dala. NEMA stressed the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to raise awareness about waste management and implement early actions to safeguard lives and livelihoods during the rainy season.
The Director-General emphasized that disaster management is a collective responsibility and called for a united effort to protect communities, critical infrastructure, and maintain socio-economic stability in Kano State. The commitment of the state government, under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf, to protect the people against disasters and emergencies was reiterated by the Commissioner for Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation, Hajiya Amina Abdullahi.
The workshop, organized by NEMA in collaboration with the Kano State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, received commendation from various stakeholders. The Managing Director of the Kano State Refuse Management and Sanitation Board, Alhaji Amadu Haruna-Zago, urged residents to refrain from dumping refuse on roads and waterways to prevent blockages that could exacerbate flooding.
In conclusion, the proactive measures taken by NEMA and other stakeholders to address the risk of flooding in Kano State demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding communities and promoting sustainable development. By raising awareness about waste management and implementing early warning strategies, the aim is to minimize the impact of disasters and protect the well-being of residents in the region.
