Kaduna asks residents of flood-prone communities to relocate

The Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has asked residents of flood-prone communities to relocate to safer areas.

The directive comes on the heels of floods that ravaged Sabon-Gari and Zaria LGAs on Monday.

In a statement on Wednesday, Usman Mazadu, executive secretary of SEMA, said the agency has taken proactive measures to minimise flood damage.

He said the measures include desilting of drainage channels and public awareness initiatives.

“As you may recall, we received predictions from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) three months ago, and we took proactive measures to prepare for the flood,” the statement reads.

“Our assessment identified three key issues: inadequate drainages, dumping of refuse, and structures erected within waterways.

“We presented our findings to the governor, who directed the stakeholders to embark on a statewide desilting of old drainages.

“I am pleased to report that this exercise has been completed, which helped minimize the impact of the flood in other predicted areas.

“However, despite our efforts, some residents refused to evacuate, leading to the destruction of properties.

“SEMA had been carrying out public enlightenment campaigns on radio stations, but residents are yet to understand the essence and purpose.”

Mazadu added that it is in the interest of residents to relocate to higher plains.

“I keep telling stakeholders and people within these flood-prone areas, that the issue of security and safety is not just about the governor, it is not just because we have a governor that is fair hearing, we equally need to understand the fact that we need to safeguard our lives and property,” he said.

“Let’s communicate to our brothers and sisters on the negative effect and dangers of living in flood-prone areas.

“On behalf of the government of Mallam Uba Sani, we are pleading with people living within flood-prone areas, to evacuate to urban centres.”