TheCable

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says 225 communities have been ravaged by flood following heavy and prolonged rainfall across 31 LGAs of Kano and Jigawa states since July.

Nuradeen Abdullahi, NEMA coordinator, Kano/Jigawa territorial office, said this on Saturday in a statement made available to NAN.

He said the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet), on August 16, predicted above normal rainfall in 19 states between August and September including Kano/Jigawa, and called on the affected states to intensify mitigation, adaptation and response mechanisms.

The affected Kano LGAs include Tudun Wada, Doguwa, Kibiya, Kiru, Gwale, Danbatta, Bagwai, Ajingi, Albasu, Shanono, Tsanyawa, Rimin Gado and Dawakin Kudu.

In Jigawa, the flood affected Kafin hausa, Malam madori, Hadejia, Guri, Auyo, Birniwa, Jahun, Miga, Kiyawa, Birnin Kudu, Kaugama, Babura, Gwaram, Dutse and Kirikasamma LGAs.

Abdullahi said the flood destroyed many houses, infrastructure, farmlands, livestock, and properties, while it displaced hundreds of households.

“I urge authorities and relevant stakeholders to shift from a more reactive to proactive role and map out clearer emergency preparedness plan,” he said.

He called on the state governments to embark on aggressive awareness campaigns, especially in high-risk areas, to mitigate further disasters.

The official also advised residents to adhere to early warning signals, and clear drains and canals to ease the flow of water.