Following the flood alert for 2023 that was issued by the Nigerian Metrological Agency, NiMET, the governments of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states have started sensitising residents about the necessary precautions to take in order to prevent any occurrence.
The Executive Director of the Kebbi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Abbas Kamba, said that the agency had informed local authorities in flood-prone areas to get ready and take preventative steps before the rains start.
According to Kamba, the following LGAs are identified as likely to experience flooding in 2023: Birnin Kebbi, Ngaski, Yauri, Koko/Besse, Argungu, Dandi, Bagudo, Bunza, Augie, Shanga, and Zuru.
In his words, “We had a meeting with the stakeholders in all the 21 local government areas to intimate the LGA chairmen about the implications of the 2023 annual flood outlook with regards to Kebbi,”.
“SEMA has put all the necessary measures before the onset of the rainy season and arrangements were made on auxiliary alternatives,”.
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He noted that in addition to raising awareness, the state administration has made sure that drainage and water channels are routinely cleared throughout the state in preparation for the rainy season, adding that local government authorities were being urged to implement suitable measures to reduce floods everywhere.
Kamba however pleaded with local council chairmen to encourage residents to plant trees before any structures are built.
On his part, Bashir Kabir-Ahmad, the Director of Information, Zamfara State Ministry for Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development said that sensitization had commenced on early warning signals.
He added that the state government had given priority to actions that would protect the environment, such as dredging waterways and hauling away wastes.
The Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency’s Director of Relief and Rehabilitation, Mustapha Umar, also stated that the state has started a statewide campaign of enlightenment to ensure citizens adhere to NiMET forecasts.
To avert losses, he advised farmers to pay attention to expert advice and plant early-yielding crops in light of weather forecasts.
The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Sokoto Operations Office Zonal Head Aliyu Kafindangi said that the organization had organized interactive sessions on comprehensive disaster management and flood prevention with key stakeholders in the three states.
Story was adapted from Daily Nigerian.
