The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and stakeholders in disaster management convened a strategic meeting in Kaduna to discuss and develop strategies aimed at mitigating future flooding and its impacts.
According to Ishaya Chinoko, Acting Zonal Director, North-West Zone, the meeting aimed to assess the level of preparedness among stakeholders in response to the annual flood predictions made by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET).
Chinoko emphasized that while emergencies are inevitable and may increase, a high level of preparedness is crucial in preventing loss of life and property destruction.
He stated, “Based on the principles of early warning, and effective communication, this meeting is not only important but expedient in preparedness hence the need to maintain correspondences formally and informally.
“Whatever their origin may be, natural or human induce, they always live behind losses of lives and or property and cause so much destruction and hardships,” he explained.
Ishaya Chinoko emphasized the importance of strengthening and sustaining partnership and collaboration among stakeholders to proactively prepare for anticipated disasters, thereby reducing losses and human suffering.
Iriya Istifanus, Zonal Coordinator of Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, commended NEMA’s proactive measures in initiating the meeting, noting its timeliness. She identified Kajuru, Kudan, and Kachia Local Government Areas as highly probable flood areas, while Igabi and Chikun would be moderately affected.
Istifanus urged local government chairmen to sensitize residents on the need to clear drainages to mitigate the impact of this year’s flood.
Additionally, Mr. Aliyu Bashi, Manager of Nigeria Meteorological Agency, acknowledged NEMA’s capacity to coordinate stakeholders in preparing to mitigate floods in the state.
“As it is rightly said, early warning is to be backed by early action so as to mitigate the impact of possible disasters,” he highlighted.
He emphasized that all relevant stakeholders must take immediate action and fulfill their obligations to prevent further devastation, loss of life, and property damage.
 and stakeholders in disaster management convened a strategic meeting in Kaduna to discuss and develop strategies aimed at mitigating future flooding and its impacts.){kind=link}