Flood: SEMA tasks Kano residents on drains clearance

Wed, Aug 12, 2020
By editor
2 MIN READ

Environment

KANO State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has called on the residents in the state to clear drains around their premises to prevent flooding.

The Executive Secretary of the Agency, Dr Sale Jili, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Kano.

Jili said that the call became necessary following the prediction by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMeT) that some states, including Kano, would experience a serious flood in 2020 due to heavy rainfall.

He listed the Local Government Areas (LGAs) that may be affected by the flood as Kabo; Gezawa, Bebeji, Kura, Gwarzo, Shanono, Wudil, and Gaya.

Others are Gabasawa; Danbatta, Bagwai, Rimin Gado, Ungogo, Gwale, Fagge, Tarauani, Nasarawa, Dala, Kumbotso and Kano Municipal Council.

“Our interest is to maintain a flood-free environment in the state,’’ he said.

Jili noted that some houses were built with mud, while weak materials were used to make blocks that could not contain water during heavy rain.

He, however, assured that the Agency would not relent in its effort to protect lives and property.

Jili said: “We are going to collaborate with all the five first-class Emirs and District Heads in the state to sensitise the public to take precautionary measures against flood, windstorm, and rainstorm.

“I urge those who are not yet affected by the flood to take precautionary measures by clearing their drains; collect refuse and dispose it at appropriate places.’’

The Secretary urged religious leaders to seek God’s protection against windstorms and rainstorms.

Meanwhile, the Agency said that rainstorm had destroyed crops worth over N40 million in Bagwai LGA of the state.

Jili disclosed that 550 farmers were affected, while areas affected were Gadanya, Jobar, Jobe, Gadawa, and Galawa.

He said that the Agency was doing everything possible to assist the affected farmers.

“The affected places were visited to assess the damage so as to write to Gov, Abdullahi Ganduje, to provide assistance.’’

Jili said that relief materials, including 100 bags of cement, 10 bundles of roofing sheets, 50 pieces of the mattress had been distributed to residents of the affected areas.

He added that 50 pieces of blanket, rice, guinea corn, millet, pasta, spaghetti and salt were given to them to alleviate their sufferings. (NAN)

– Aug. 12, 2020 @ 13.05 GMT |

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