The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has conducted a full-scale flood response simulation in Wudil Local Government Area of Kano State, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to proactive disaster preparedness.
During Saturday’s exercise, NEMA Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, stressed the importance of readiness in addressing the country’s recurring flood challenges.
According to her, forecasts by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) have identified Kano, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara as high-risk flood zones for 2025.
“This exercise simulates a forced water release from the Tiga, Challawa, and Bagauda dams, testing our emergency preparedness against potential dam-induced flooding along River Kano,” she said.
Umar emphasized that the simulation was not just about testing existing protocols but also about identifying gaps and strengthening coordination among stakeholders.
“Preparedness saves lives. Today’s drill helps ensure that we are ready to respond quickly and effectively should a real disaster occur,” she added.
She encouraged participants to treat the simulation seriously and to adopt a learning mindset, highlighting that the insights gained would be vital for future emergency responses.
Governor Abba Yusuf, represented at the event, reiterated Kano State’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and building resilience against climate-induced disasters.
“Disasters can strike at any time. If, God forbid, a flood occurs here in Wudil, we expect an informed and coordinated local response,” he said.
He noted that dam overflows—especially from Bagauda, Chalawa, and Tiga—due to heavy rainfall could lead to severe consequences such as loss of life, destruction of property, displacement, and loss of livelihoods.
Yusuf outlined several ongoing mitigation efforts, including:
- Desilting and clearing of drainage systems
- Infrastructure upgrades
- Community sensitization and early warning campaigns
- Strengthening of local emergency response teams
He also urged citizens, especially those in flood-prone communities, to take early warnings seriously and cooperate with authorities.
“Disaster prevention is not the government’s job alone; everyone must play a role in keeping our communities safe,” he emphasized.
Senator Mustapha Khabib, representing Jigawa Southwest, expressed satisfaction with the exercise’s quality and the preparedness of local communities.
“This was a very impressive and well-organized simulation. The commitment of the local people was evident,” he told reporters.
As a member of the Senate Committee on Special Duties overseeing NEMA, Khabib said he was initially skeptical but left reassured by the professionalism and enthusiasm on display.
“We’re no longer just hoping floods won’t happen—we are prepared to respond if they do,” he said.
He expressed hope that the knowledge and strategies developed in Kano would be replicated in other flood-prone areas across the region.
The exercise featured practical demonstrations of flood victim rescue, aid distribution as well as community evacuation and mobilization strategies.
The goal was to enhance the resilience of vulnerable communities and ensure swift, coordinated responses during real flood emergencies.
