The Nigerian government warns 178 Kano communities are at risk of flooding

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said on Tuesday that 178 vulnerable communities in 28 local government areas of Kano State were at moderate risk of flooding.

The Director General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, disclosed this on Tuesday in Kano during the stakeholder engagement and launch of the 2026 National Preparedness and Response Campaign (NPRC) on flood disasters and related hazards.

Umar, who was represented by NEMA North-West Zonal Director, Alhaji Aliyu Shehu-Kafindangi, said the campaign was part of NEMA’s national efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness, raise public awareness and encourage coordinated action aimed at protecting lives, livelihoods and critical infrastructure during the 2026 rainy season.

He said estimates by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) indicated that some areas in Kano State were vulnerable to flooding and related hazards during the rainy season.

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“Our risk assessment has identified 28 local government areas in Kano State as having moderate flood risk, with 178 communities requiring special attention and preparedness measures,” the NEMA chief said.

He said the affected local government areas were Ajingi, Bagwai, Bebeji, Bichi, Bunkure, Dala, Dawakin Kudu, Dawakin Tofa, Fagge, Gabasawa, Garun Malam, Gaya and Gwale.

Others are – Kabo, Karaye, Kiru, Kunchi, Ghari, Kura, Madobi, Rano, Rimin Gado, Sumaila, Takai, Tofa, Tudun Wada, Ungogo and Warawa.

He noted that NEMA has developed a Risk Management, Preparedness and Mitigation Framework Related to Climate Change by 2026 to address anticipated challenges.

He explained that this framework focuses on strengthening local emergency response capacities, conducting simulation exercises, and disseminating early warning information.

“Others are preparing relief materials and emergency equipment, assessing the vulnerability of critical infrastructure and improving stakeholder coordination.

“Preparedness is much cheaper than response. Therefore, all stakeholders must play a role in efforts to reduce disaster risk,” he said.

NEMA bosses therefore appealed to people living in flood-prone areas to be alert and adhere to evacuation advice if necessary.

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