Christian Aid and other stakeholders on Thursday sensitized residents of four flood-prone communities in Kaduna State to disaster preparedness ahead of the peak of the 2026 rainy season.
The sensitization, conducted under the Enhancing Preparedness and Response (E-Prep) Project, targeted Kigo Road and Rafin Guza in Kaduna North Local Government Area, as well as Karatudu and Nasarawa in Chikun Local Government Area.
Mr. Michael Agbo, Head of Communications at Christian Aid, said the exercise aimed to equip residents with knowledge to reduce flood risks and respond appropriately during emergencies.
He explained that the selected communities are vulnerable to flooding due to their proximity to waterways and blocked drainage channels, which often worsen the impact of heavy rainfall.
Agbo noted that many residents remain in flood-prone areas despite recurring floods because of their attachment to their homes and fears of property theft.
According to him, continuous public sensitization and timely dissemination of weather forecasts can help residents take safety measures before, during, and after floods.
He called on the Kaduna State Government to stop land allocation in floodplains and waterways, and advocated for river dredging to improve water flow and reduce flooding.
Agbo emphasized that the growing impact of climate change underscores the need for sustained early warning campaigns and improved community preparedness to mitigate disaster risks.
Also speaking, Mohammed Hassan, Central Coordinator of KADSEMA, said the campaign was necessary as intensified rains had begun causing flooding in some communities.
Hassan urged residents living along waterways and in flood-prone areas to relocate to safer locations before floodwaters destroy property and threaten lives.
He stated that, although no government-designated temporary shelters have been provided, residents at risk should move to safer parts of their communities pending further intervention.
Hassan highlighted that early evacuation is the most effective way to reduce flood-related loss of life and property during heavy rainfall.
The E-Prep Project aims to strengthen community preparedness and response to disasters through public awareness, early warning, and risk reduction initiatives in vulnerable communities.
Representatives from the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Red Cross, Safety Awareness and Environmental Support Initiative (SAISI), and other stakeholders attended the event.
