NEMA issues flood warning for 148 communities in Jigawa State

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has identified 148 communities across 17 local government areas of Jigawa State as highly vulnerable to flooding during the 2026 rainy season.

The warning was released during a stakeholders’ engagement on disaster preparedness held in Dutse, which is part of NEMA’s nationwide campaign to strengthen resilience against natural disasters.

Representing NEMA’s Director‑General, Mrs Zubaida Umar, the North‑West Zonal Director, Aliyu Shehu, warned that communities located along riverbanks and waterways face an elevated risk of flooding and urged them to take precautionary measures before peak rainfall.

The engagement, themed “Strengthening Disaster Risk Governance for a Resilient Nigeria,” brought together emergency management agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for minimizing the impact of potential disasters.

NEMA advised residents in flood‑prone areas to relocate from vulnerable locations where necessary, avoid blocking drainage channels with waste, and pay close attention to weather forecasts and official warnings.

The agency also encouraged communities to familiarize themselves with evacuation routes and emergency response procedures.

According to NEMA, flooding remains one of the most destructive natural hazards in Nigeria, often resulting in loss of life, displacement of residents, and destruction of homes, farmlands, and public infrastructure. The agency stressed that early preparedness and public awareness are crucial in reducing disaster‑related losses.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Hannafi Yakubu, assured residents of the state’s readiness to respond to any emergency. He revealed that 20 speedboats have been deployed to support evacuation and rescue operations in vulnerable communities.

Yakubu further disclosed that relief materials, including food and other essential items, have been stocked to provide assistance to affected persons should flooding occur.

Officials of the Jigawa State Environmental Protection Agency also said drainage desilting and environmental sanitation activities are being intensified across the state to improve water flow and reduce the risk of urban flooding.

Participants at the meeting emphasized the need for stronger early warning systems, increased community sensitization, environmental management, and coordinated emergency response efforts to mitigate the anticipated flood risks.