The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has warned that 362 vulnerable communities in the 14 local government areas in Kano State are at high risk of flood.

NEMA’s director general, Zubaida Umar, said this at a one-day stakeholders meeting in Kano on Thursday. The meeting was on Solid Waste Management and Flood Preparedness: Downscaling 2024 Flood Early Warning Strategies for Grassroots Action.

Ms Umar, represented by Nuraddeen Abdullahi, NEMA territorial coordinator Kano Office, said the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) AFO has predicted a population of 3,749,200 were at risk of flood in the state.

She listed the local government as Rimin Gado, Tofa, Kabo, Madobi, Garun Malam, Bebeji, Rano, Dawakin Kudu, Warawa, Wudil, Sumaila, Ajingi, Kura, and Dala.

Ms Umar said the meeting was also to implement effective early actions that would 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 collaborate to sensitise the public to waste management, downscaling flood early warning, and risk mitigation at the grassroots levels.

The Kano State Commissioner for Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation, Amina Abdullahi, reiterated Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf’s commitment to protect the people against disasters and emergencies.

The Managing Director of the Kano State Refuse Management and Sanitation Board, Amadu Haruna-Zago, urged residents to stop dumping refuse on the road and waterways.

Also, the Executive Secretary of the Kano State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Isyaku Abudullahi-Kubarachi, commended NEMA and other stakeholders for their efforts in sensitising the public on disaster issues.

(NAN)