The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FCTEMA) has identified flood-prone communities and inaugurated a preparedness campaign to reduce anticipated flooding across the territory.

The exercise followed directives by the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, to mitigate predicted disasters through early intervention, public sensitisation and assessment of vulnerable communities.

The campaign began in the Gwagwalada Area Council with a stakeholders’ meeting at the palace of the Aguna of Gwagwalada, Muhammad Magaji.

Speaking, FCTEMA Head of Forecasting, Response, and Mitigation, Mark Nyam, said the exercise translated national flood predictions into community-level action to improve preparedness across vulnerable locations in the FCT.

Mr Nyam was represented by the director-general, Baba Gambo, alongside Zakaria Abubakar at the event.

He said forecast indicated that 33 states and the FCT would face severe flooding this year due to the effects of climate change.

According to him, Gwagwalada, Abuja Municipal Area Council, Kuje, Kwali, and Abaji are among the affected locations requiring close monitoring.

He added that Gwagwalada ranked among three high-risk councils selected for direct intervention during the flood season.

Mr Nyam dismissed claims linking flooding in Gwagwalada to dam operations.

He said the flooding resulted mainly from heavy runoff and human activities, especially building on waterways and failing to construct proper drainage channels.

“Flooding in Gwagwalada is not caused by dams but by heavy runoff and human activities, particularly building on waterways instead of constructing drainage channels,” he said.

He urged residents to avoid building along waterways, stressing that disasters usually occurred where people lived.

Mr Nyam said FEMA had written to chairmen and vice-chairmen of the six area councils to activate sanitary inspectors for improved environmental sanitation.

He described proper waste disposal and regular drainage maintenance as essential measures for reducing flood risks.

Community leaders urged the agency to prioritise preventive measures and structural interventions instead of focusing mainly on post-disaster relief.

They sought practical solutions to recurring floods and appealed for better community preparedness before peak rainfall.

The leaders also urged FCTEMA Vanguards to equip residents with knowledge and resources needed to reduce flood impacts.

They identified inadequate waste disposal facilities as a major contributor to blocked drainage channels across affected communities.

The leaders appealed to FCTEMA and the National Emergency Management Agency to provide waste bins to improve sanitation and prevent flooding.

The Women Leader of Gwagwalada Area Council, Sarauniya Ranjo, called for direct professional field assessments instead of relying on secondary reports.

She said comprehensive investigations would enable authorities to develop more effective and sustainable flood control measures.

The Community Chairman, Bitrus Ayinka, advocated deliberate planning, including relocating residents living along riverbanks to safer locations.

Mr Ayinka cited previous flooding in Kuje and other councils, urging authorities to deploy additional personnel for effective disaster management.

Responding, Mr Nyam assured participants that the requests would be forwarded to FEMA’s leadership for appropriate consideration.

He said the agency would also facilitate relief support where necessary, recalling assistance previously provided to affected communities.

Speaking for the Aguna of Gwagwalada, the Waziri, Bala Madaki, appreciated FCTEMA for engaging community leaders on flood preparedness.

Mr Madaki urged that future relief materials be distributed through district heads to ensure transparency and equitable access.

He reaffirmed the traditional institution’s commitment to supporting disaster preparedness efforts. 

(NAN)