The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) has issued a warning indicating that 14 of Kano State’s 44 local government areas face significant risk of flooding during the imminent rainy season.
This announcement was made by the Kano/Jigawa Territorial Coordinator for NiMET, Dr. Nuradeen Abdullahi, during a Disaster Risk Management Stakeholders Coordination Meeting.
The LGAs identified at high risk are Rimin Gado, Tofa, Kabo, Madobi, Garum Malam, Bebeji, Rano, Dawakin Kudu, Warawa, Wudil, Sumaila, Ajingi, Kura and Dala.
The other five LGAs, Karaye, Takai, Bunkure, Dawakin Tofa, and Makoda have been classified as moderately prone to flooding, while the remaining 25 LGAs are considered low risk.
The primary focus of the meeting was to devise strategies to mitigate the anticipated flooding.
Dr. Abdullahi emphasised the importance of collaboration with the Kano State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to ensure that stakeholders are well-prepared to tackle the impacts of climate change and the significant financial burden of environmental disasters.
“Women and children are typically the most vulnerable during the rainy season,” Dr. Abdullahi noted, urging residents in the high-risk areas to implement preventive measures ahead of the rainy season.
Supporting this initiative, Hajiya Amina Abdullahi, the state’s Commissioner for Humanitarian and Poverty Eradication, confirmed the government’s dedication to protecting its citizens.
“Careful planning for preparedness and response can significantly reduce the impact of disasters or emergencies within communities,” the Commissioner stated.
She announced the formation of a high-powered committee, led by the deputy governor, tasked with overseeing the cleaning of drainage systems across all LGAs to mitigate flooding risks.