The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has warned that 178 communities across 28 local government areas of Kano State may experience moderate flooding during the 2026 rainy season.
The warning was issued on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ meeting and the launch of the 2026 National Preparedness and Response Campaign held in Kano.
The campaign, themed “Strengthening Disaster Risk Governance for a Resilient Nigeria,” brought together government officials, emergency response agencies, community leaders, and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for mitigating the impact of climate-related disasters.
Speaking on behalf of the Director-General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, the agency’s North-West Zonal Director, Alhaji Aliyu Shehu-Kafindangi, said the forecast was based on assessments and predictions by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).
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He explained that the identified communities require urgent preparedness measures to minimize the impact of potential flooding and protect lives, property, and critical infrastructure.
According to him, the affected local government areas include Ajingi, Bagwai, Bebeji, Bichi, Bunkure, Dala, Dawakin Kudu, Dawakin Tofa, Fagge, Gabasawa, Garun Malam, Gaya, Gwale, Kabo, Karaye, Kiru, Kunchi, Ghari, Kura, Madobi, Rano, Rimin Gado, Sumaila, Takai, Tofa, Tudun Wada, Ungogo, and Warawa.
Shehu-Kafindangi further disclosed that NEMA has introduced the 2026 Climate-Related Risk Management, Preparedness and Mitigation Framework aimed at strengthening local emergency response mechanisms.
He said the framework focuses on simulation exercises, early warning dissemination, pre-positioning of relief materials, and vulnerability assessments of critical infrastructure to enhance disaster preparedness nationwide.
Speaking at the event, Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by the Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahiru Muhammad-Hashim, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to building resilience against climate-related disasters.
The governor stated that the administration had already commenced several flood mitigation measures, including the clearing of drainage channels, distribution of maintenance tools to community volunteer groups, removal of illegal structures obstructing waterways, and the launch of a campaign to plant 10 million trees across the state.
He stressed the importance of ensuring that early warning messages reach communities at the grassroots level, noting that effective communication remains a critical component of disaster risk reduction.
Governor Yusuf urged stakeholders to ensure that flood forecasts and climate-related information are translated into local languages to enable vulnerable communities to understand and respond appropriately.
He added that addressing disaster risks requires collective action, coordination, and sustained collaboration among government agencies, development partners, community leaders, and residents.
The governor reiterated the state’s determination to continue investing in environmental protection and climate adaptation measures aimed at safeguarding lives and property across Kano State.