SOKOTO – The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has urged stakeholders in disaster management to join forces in addressing the anticipated flood prediction in Sokoto state.
In a stakeholders meeting held on Friday, the Head of NEMA Sokoto Zonal Office, Alhaji Aliyu Kafindangi, emphasized the need for collaboration in response to the flood predictions presented by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) and Nigerian Hydrological Agency (NIHSA).
Represented by Malam Tukur Abubakar, Kafindangi convened the meeting to collectively devise strategies to mitigate flood risks and protect the lives and property of the people.
He cautioned people on the dangers of indiscriminate dumping of refuse in waterways, constructions on 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 impacts.
” 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 flood, it won’t be devastating. So we are soliciting for more collaboration on mitigation strategies and sensitising people to have a cleaner environment and so that people don’t drive in the flood,” he said.
In his presentation, Head of NiMET in Sokoto State, Malam Yawale Baba, said the agency ensured prompt dissemination of information on weather and associated climatic situations to the state and relevant agencies.
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.
Mr Abubakar Umar, the Head of Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) in Sokoto, said Nigeria experienced worst flooding in 2012 and 2018.
Umar said similar incidents were closely replicated in 2022 with high rainfall and flows from Sokoto and Bakalori rivers which served as major source of flood in Sokoto State and environs.
He explained that according to the forcast, flood is expected between July and November at 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 flood and no fewer than 66,622 persons, 6,136 houses and many farmlands were affected in Sokoto State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the meeting was attended by officials from State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), law enforcement agencies, Nigeria Airports Authority and journalists.