National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) launched an initiative on June 10, 2024, to bring early warning and flood prevention strategies to local communities in Bauchi State. Director General Zubaida Umar, represented by Director Audit G.K. Mohammed, highlighted the importance of collaboration among all government tiers to manage disaster risks, especially in light of severe floods in 2012 and 2022. Rainfall and flood forecasts from Nigerian meteorological and hydrological agencies have been valuable for early warnings.
NEMA’s records indicate that several Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Bauchi State, including Toro, Itas/Gadau, and Bauchi, are at high or moderate flood risk for the 2024 rainy season. Emphasizing community participation in disaster management, the Director General expressed gratitude to state officials and attendees for their support.
Governor Sen. Bala Mohammed, represented by Abdullahi Adamu, urged the Bauchi State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) to extend sensitization efforts to all predicted flood-risk LGAs. Various stakeholders, including representatives from the police, DSS, and civil defense, attended the event. Mrs. Prisca from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs called for the inclusion of people with disabilities in NEMA’s programs.
Hon. Commissioner of Humanitarian Affairs Hajara Yakubu Yanka, represented by Mrs. Prisca, praised NEMA’s efforts and new approach to flood sensitization. BSEMA Director General Mas’ud Aliyu advised the public against building on flood-prone areas and blocking waterways. BSEMA Head of Operations Dr. Abubakar Umar translated NEMA’s messages into Hausa for better community understanding.
