The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says 362 vulnerable Communities across 14 local governments in Kano State are probable at high risk of flooding.
The Director-General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, made the disclosure at a one-day stakeholders meeting on Solid Waste Management and Flood Preparedness: Downscaling 2024 Flood Early Warning Strategies for Grassroots Action.
Represented by NEMA Territorial Coordinator Kano Office, Dr. Nurudeen Abdullahi said the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) AFO has predicted a population of 3,749,200 are at risk of flooding.
She listed the local governments to include Rimin Gado, Tofa, Kabo, Madobi, Garun Malam, Bebeji, Rano, Dawakin Kudu, Warawa, Wudil, Sumaila, Ajingi, Kura and Dala.
Zubaida explained that the workshop was to implement effective early actions that will safeguard lives and livelihoods throughout the rainy season.
“Floods of 2012 and 2022 have highlighted the critical need for coordinated efforts across all levels of government in managing disaster risks.
“Kano State has historically experienced severe impacts from floods, and the current predictions highlight that certain areas will continue to face challenges especially with improper solid waste disposal in our communities” She said
The DG emphasised the need to work collaboratively to sensitize the public on waste management as well as downscaling flood early warning and risk mitigation to the grassroots level.
“Improper solid waste disposal affects the environment, human health as well as the economy due uncontrolled dumping of large amount of waste which prevent rainwater from flowing freely, leading to overflow and flooding.
Zubaida pointed out that NEMA has engaged in extensive planning and analysis, including a Stakeholders’ Technical Meeting and Emergency Coordination Forum.
“Disaster management is everyone’s business.” By coming together, we can protect our communities, preserve critical infrastructure, and maintain socio-economic stability in Kano State”
The Kano State Commissioner Ministry of Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation, Hajiya Amina Abdullahi, reiterated Governor Abba Kabir-Yusufs commitment to the protection and ensuring safety of all citizens against disasters and emergencies.
Represented by the Ministry’s Director Disaster Management and Rapid Response, Mustafa Yunusa, commended NEMA,SEMA for organizing the workshop.
The Managing Director Kano State Refuse Management and Sanitation Board(REMASAB), Alhaji Amadu Haruna-Zago,urged the public to desist from indiscriminate dumping of refuse on roads and waterways.
The Executive Secretary of Kano State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Isyaku Abudullahi-Kubarachi, commended NEMA and other stakeholders for their efforts in sensitizing the public on disaster issues.
The workshop themed: “Enhancing Community Resilience through Effective Solid Waste Management and Proactive Flood Preparedness” was organised by NEMA in collaboration with SEMA, Kano State Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and REMASAB.
KHADIJAH ALIYU
