As the rainy season reaches its peak, the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA) has issued an urgent warning to residents living in flood-prone areas to relocate to safer grounds immediately. This advisory is in response to the increasing risk of severe flooding in several parts of the state, particularly in communities situated along waterways, where the danger of an imminent overflow is high.
In a statement issued by KADSEMA’s Executive Secretary, Usman Mazadu, the agency highlighted the critical situation in seven local government areas (LGAs) that are most at risk. The affected areas are experiencing heavy and continuous rainfall, which began on Sunday, August 18, and has shown no signs of abating. This relentless downpour is raising concerns about potential floods, particularly in regions where rivers and their tributaries flow through these communities.
Mazadu emphasized the need for immediate action, urging residents in the identified flood-prone areas to be vigilant and prepare for the possibility of evacuation. The agency has been closely monitoring the weather patterns and has identified several LGAs where the risk of flooding is particularly high due to their proximity to rivers and other water bodies.
“The heavy rainfall we have experienced over the past few days has significantly increased the water levels in our rivers and streams, particularly in areas that are already known to be vulnerable to flooding,” Mazadu stated. “It is crucial that communities located near these waterways remain on high alert and take proactive steps to safeguard their lives and property. We strongly advise residents to consider moving to higher ground or other safer areas until the threat of flooding has passed.”
The LGAs identified by KADSEMA as being at high risk of flooding include Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Chikun, Igabi, Sanga, Kagarko, and Jema’a. Specific locations within these areas have been singled out due to their particularly vulnerable positions along riverbanks and low-lying regions.
In Kaduna North LGA, the agency has identified Government Secondary School on Abubakar Kigo Road and LEA Primary School in Unguwan Rimi as potential flood zones. Similarly, in Kaduna South LGA, Namadi Sambo Skill Acquisition Centre in Tudun Wada and LEA Primary School in Nassarawa have been flagged as areas where residents should exercise extreme caution.
Chikun LGA is also at risk, with Government Secondary School in Narayi highlighted as a potential flood hotspot. In Igabi LGA, residents around the jumaat mosque in Hayin Malam Bello have been warned of possible flooding.
The situation is equally concerning in Sanga LGA, where several schools, including LEA Agwom Primary School, LEA Tsauni Primary School, and LEA Sanga Village Primary School, are located in areas that could experience flooding. In Kagarko LGA, the communities around LEA Jere North Primary School and LEA Jere South Primary School have been identified as being at high risk. Lastly, in Jema’a LGA, GSS Kafanchan is also on the list of areas that could potentially face flooding.
Mazadu reiterated the importance of community awareness and preparedness in mitigating the risks posed by the current weather conditions. He urged local leaders and community heads to disseminate this information widely and to assist in coordinating evacuation efforts if necessary.
“As an agency, we are committed to ensuring the safety of all residents in Kaduna State. We are working closely with local authorities and community leaders to provide the necessary support and resources to those affected by these conditions. However, it is essential that individuals take personal responsibility for their safety by heeding these warnings and taking the necessary precautions,” he added.
KADSEMA is also advising residents to stay tuned to local news and updates from the agency for further information.
