KEPA alerts on flooding, to inspect residential areas, business premises,

The agency, in this year’s Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) released yesterday regarding information on flood risks for the nation and mitigation strategies to reduce flood hazard losses, said: “The emphasis is on the accuracy of predictions and on the prevention and mitigation of possible flood disasters through increased awareness and prompting of the public.”

A statement by its General Manager, Dr. Yusuf Abdullahi Rigasa, explained that KEPA has received a flood prediction alert from Nigeria Metrological Agency (NIMET) and Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) and was able to project the possibility of flood in some parts of the state.

“There will be a heavy rainfall in Kaduna State this year and it was predicted that there will be possibility of flood in five local government areas, which include Igabi, Kaduna South, Kaduna North, Soba and Kaura LGAs.

“Residents living or having properties in the flood plains areas or along the streams and rivers in these five local government areas should know that they have to prepare for flash flood event and in case flood happens, they should be able to contact KADSEMA for rescue and relief materials.

“While we remain vigilant, the KADSEMA is also prepared for emergency rescue and relieve operations,” he added.He added: “Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufa’i “has already invested in our drainages network and water channels across the state.

“The authority has noticed that some members of the public are in the habit of disposing their solid waste into the drainage system. It is the duty of Kaduna citizens to ensure that all waterways, drainage networks and water channels are kept clean at all times. It is not the responsibility of government to clean up the drainage outside your house; it is your responsibility to do that.

“This is to inform the general public that KEPA will embark on inspection of residential areas and business premises to ensure that all these waterways and drainage networks are kept clean at all times and if it happen to find somebody wanting, he/she will bear the wrath of the law.”