The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has solicited the cooperation of stakeholders in disaster management on envisaged flood prediction in Sokoto state.

The head, NEMA Sokoto zonal office, Aliyu Kafindangi, made the call on Friday at a stakeholders meeting on the response of the Nigerian Metrological Agency (NiMET) and Nigerian Hydrological Agency (NIHSA) flood prediction.

Mr Kafindangi, represented by Tukur Abubakar, said the stakeholders’ meeting was convened to fine-tune ways to avert flood and other considerations to safeguard people’s lives and property.

He cautioned people on the dangers of indiscriminate dumping of refuse in waterways, constructions in flood-prone areas and other human factors.

He urged stakeholders to sensitise residents to the predictions and adhere to experts’ advice on ways to have less impact.

” Based on NiMET predictions that rain will be much this year, NEMA, as a responsive agency, felt that we should start sensitisation programme in and around Sokoto State on the need to be mindful of how to keep the environment and clear the drains before the onset of the heavy rain.

“ So even if there will be floods, it won’t be devastating. So we are soliciting for more collaboration on mitigation strategies and sensitising people to have a cleaner environment so that people don’t drive in flood,” he said.

In his presentation, the head of NiMET in Sokoto, Yawale Baba, said the agency ensured prompt dissemination of information on weather and associated climatic situations to the state and relevant agencies.

Mr Baba explained different climatic conditions in the country with specifics to Sokoto and advised farmers to plant crops with shorter yield periods.

He added that information was simplified in local languages to ease understanding in Sokoto communities, noting that compiled national reports discussed would benefit all stakeholders.

Abubakar Umar, the Head of Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) in Sokoto, said Nigeria experienced the worst flooding in 2012 and 2018.

Mr Umar said similar incidents were closely replicated in 2022 with high rainfall and flows from Sokoto and Bakalori rivers which served as major sources of flood in Sokoto State and environs.

He explained that according to the forecast, flood is expected between July and November in Goronyo, Tangaza, Sokoto North, Sokoto South, Rabah, Silame, Wamakko, Kebbe, Yabo, and Shagari local government areas.

He noted that in 2022, 32 states in the federation were affected by floods, and no fewer than 66,622 persons, 6,136 houses and many farmlands were affected in Sokoto State.

The meeting was attended by State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) officials, law enforcement agencies, Nigeria Airports Authority and journalists. 

(NAN)