NEMA Warns 148 Jigawa Communities of Flood Risks

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has identified 148 communities in 17 local government areas of Jigawa State as highly vulnerable to flooding during the 2026 rainy season. A warning was issued following a stakeholder engagement aimed at disaster preparedness.

Zubaida Umar, the representative director general of NEMA, and Aliyu Shehu, the North West zonal director, highlighted the heightened risk for communities along riverbanks. NEMA advised residents in flood-prone areas to relocate to avoid blockages in drainage channels and urged them to stay informed about weather forecasts.

The agency emphasized the importance of early preparedness to reduce disaster-related losses. Hannafi Yakubu, the executive secretary of Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), assured residents of the state's readiness to respond to emergencies, revealing that 20 speedboats have been deployed for evacuation and rescue operations.

Additionally, relief materials, including food and essential items, are being stockpiled to assist affected individuals. The Jigawa State Environment Protection Agency is intensifying environmental sanitation activities to improve water flow and reduce urban flood risks.