The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has forecasted moderate flooding in eight local government areas (LGAs) of Zamfara State during the 2024 rainy season. This announcement was made by NEMA’s Director-General, Zubaida Umar, during a sensitization program in Gusau aimed at early warning strategies for flood preparedness.
The LGAs expected to experience moderate flooding include Bugundu, Gummi, Gusau, Bakura, Maradun, Talata Mafara, Shinkafi, and Zurmi. Umar emphasized the importance of collective efforts to protect communities at risk, safeguard critical infrastructure, and maintain uninterrupted socio-economic activities.
The Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) in its 2024 Annual Flood Outlook identified 31 states with 148 LGAs as high flood risk areas. Additionally, 35 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with 249 LGAs, fall within moderate flood risk areas, while the remaining 377 LGAs are considered low flood risk areas.
Representing Umar at the event, Director of ICT Sani Lokoja noted that Zamfara State had previously suffered significant losses and damages due to flooding. This history underscores the need for the 2024 downscaling and sensitization program, which aims to mitigate the impact of potential flood disasters.
The Zamfara State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Aliyu Tsafe, announced that the state government had initiated a flood awareness campaign across all fourteen LGAs.
State Governor Dauda Lawal, represented by Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Abubakar Nakwada, urged government officials, traditional and religious leaders, and other stakeholders to actively engage in the sensitization efforts. He stressed the importance of utilizing the strategies discussed to mitigate flood impacts in vulnerable areas.
Source: ChannelsTV