The Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA) and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) on Monday commenced a flood preparedness campaign in Kaduna North LGA to prevent disaster.

KADSEMA Zonal Coordinator, Mohammed Shafii, in his remarks during the exercise, noted that most flood disasters were preventable if communities embraced early action and proper waste disposal practices.

Mr Shafii cautioned residents against indiscriminate dumping of refuse in waterways and advised the adoption of safer practices to reduce the impact of floods.

He said, “People must stop blocking drainages with refuse. Residents close to rivers should vacate before water levels rise. Preparedness is the key to saving lives.’’

Similarly, Aisha Adamu of NOA, Kaduna North, said the campaign aimed to protect lives and property in flood-prone communities.

She listed vulnerable areas to include Kigo Road, Kabala, Malali, Unguwar Rimi, Rafin Guza and Unguwar Dosa, urging residents to heed early warnings and move to safer locations.

Ms Adamu disclosed that a rehabilitation centre at Kigo Road was designated as a temporary shelter for those displaced by floods.

In the same vein, Programme Officer, Christian Aid Nigeria, Michael Aboh, said disaster preparedness, waste disposal and adherence to early warning alerts were critical to reducing flood impacts in the state.

He stated that the campaign was part of efforts to strengthen community resilience, especially in areas with poor waste management and unplanned settlements.

Mr Aboh stressed that grassroots awareness was crucial since communities were usually the first responders when disasters struck.

He stated, “By equipping people with the right information, they can take preventive measures. This is about resilience, waste management and safe relocation when water levels rise.’’

He added that disaster preparedness was a shared responsibility, noting that behavioural changes such as stopping the dumping of refuse in waterways would reduce flooding impacts in Kaduna.

The exercise was supported by Christian Aid, UNICEF and the European Union Humanitarian Aid. 

(NAN)