The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA has alerted 19 out of 27 Local Government Areas in Jigawa State to prepare for high-risk flooding in this year’s rainy season.

The agency’s Director General, Zubaida Umar, represented by the Kano and Jigawa Territorial Coordinator, issued the warning during the 2024 flood early warning strategies event in Jigawa State.

They emphasised the need for proactive measures to mitigate the potential disaster.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has sounded a severe warning to residents of Jigawa State, alerting them of the high risk of catastrophic flooding in this year’s rainy season.

In its prediction, NEMA identified 19 out of 27 Local Government Areas in the state as vulnerable to devastating floods, putting thousands of lives and properties at risk.

During the 2024 flood early warning strategies event in Jigawa State, the agency pointed out the urgent need for state governments to collaborate to mitigate disaster risks and associated hazards.

As the state scrambles to prepare for the potential disaster, concerns are mounting about the adequacy of emergency measures in place to mitigate the impact of the impending floods.

Despite the warning, the Jigawa State government has expressed confidence in its preparedness, promising to provide adequate support to its citizens.

The agency noted that 31 states, comprising 148 LGAs, are predicted to be at high risk of flooding in 2024, highlighting the need for proactive measures.