Kano moves to address erosion, flood risks

Residents of Anambra and Oyo States have been warned to brace up for the impacts of the rainy season.

The Oyo State Government, yesterday, alerted residents across the state’s 33 local council areas to the heightened risk of flash flooding this month following a High Impact-Based Forecast issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

Similarly, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command, has advised residents of riverine communities to remain alert and be ready to move to higher ground as water levels rise.

NSCDC State Commandant in Anambra, Maku Olatunde, gave the advice yesterday at the Command Headquarters, Awka, as part of the Command’s proactive awareness campaign aimed at reducing the impact of flooding and related hazards.
 
The Oyo Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Ademola Aderinto, stated that forecasts indicated a likelihood of high-intensity thunderstorms and heavy surface runoff, capable of triggering temporary flooding in communities and on major roads.
 
According to him, residents must take precautionary measures to minimise risks associated with the anticipated weather conditions.
 
The commissioner noted that the state government had intensified efforts to clear critical drainage channels and waterways to mitigate the impact of flooding during the rainy season.
 
He, however, stressed that government intervention alone would not be sufficient without the cooperation of residents.
 
“While the state government has intensified the clearing of critical drainage channels across the state, residents must also play their part by ensuring that drains, gutters and waterways around their homes and communities are free of plastic bottles, silt and other waste materials that obstruct the free flow of water,” he said.
 
Aderinto also cautioned motorists and pedestrians against driving or walking through flooded roads, especially during periods of heavy rainfall.

“Motorists and pedestrians should avoid driving or walking through flooded roads, particularly at night, as flash floods can be deceptive and powerful enough to sweep away vehicles and individuals,” he warned.
 
Speaking on behalf of the Commandant, Head of Media and Tactical Operations, SC Okadigbo Edwin, noted that heavy rains often increase the risk of flooding, building collapse, erosion, and other environmental hazards.
 
He confirmed the Corps’ partnership with the state government, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), local council chairmen, and other partners, including the activation of comprehensive mitigation strategies to cushion the impact of any incidents during the 2026 rainy season.

Meanwhile, the Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing environmental degradation, flooding, and erosion in vulnerable communities across the state.
 
The Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Dr Dahiru Muhammad Hashim, gave the assurance during an inspection visit to the Bulbula Gayawa erosion site, which spans Nasarawa and Ungogo Local Council Areas. The visit was part of activities marking this year’s World Environment Day, observed globally on June 5.
 
Hashim said the visit served both commemorative and assessment purposes, focusing on ongoing intervention projects under the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
 
“This community has waited for this intervention for many years. During the campaign period, His Excellency promised to address this issue, and today we are witnessing real progress on the ground,” he said.