362 Communities Under Threat Of Flood Disaster -NEMA

The National Emergency Management Agency has warned that 362 vulnerable communities are at the under threat of flood disasters.

NEMA says the communities in 14 local governments also have improper solid waste disposal records.

These facts were laid bare by NEMA’s Director-General, Mrs Zubaida Umar, at a one-day stakeholders meeting on Solid Waste Management and Flood Preparedness.

According to her, ““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 who was represented at the event by NEMA Territorial Coordinator Kano Office, Dr Nuraddeen Abdullahi, underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in sensitising the public on waste management as well as downscaling flood early warning and risk mitigation at the grassroots levels.

“Improper solid waste disposal affects the environment, human health as well as the economy, due to uncontrolled dumping of large amounts of wastes, which prevent rainwater from flowing freely leading to overflow and flooding.

Umar noted that NEMA has engaged in extensive planning and analysis, Stakeholders’ Technical Meetings and an Emergency Coordination Forum on flood disasters and other environmental risks.

“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.

READ ALSO: NEMA Counsels Nigerians On Disaster Risk Reduction

“This aligns with the Federal Government’s renewed focus on socio-economic growth and development under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu,” Umar said

Some of the local government which she listed as vulnerable to flood disasters include  Rimin Gado, Tofa, Kabo, Madobi, Garun Malam, Bebeji, Rano, Dawakin Kudu, Warawa, Wudil, Sumaila, Ajingi, Kura and Dala.

READ ALSO: ‘NEMA Data On Bayelsa Flood Disaster A Sham’

Across Nigeria’s urban areas particularly, residents have the tendency of blocking drainages and water ways, and these practices are known to worsen flooding any time it rains.