Kaduna intensifies public education efforts ahead of impending downpours

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The Kaduna State Government has intensified public awareness and emergency preparedness efforts following forecasts by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency that the state may experience flooding during the 2026 rainy season.

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The government said the move followed the release of the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction report by NiMet, which identified Kaduna among states likely to witness above-normal rainfall this year.

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In a statement issued on Thursday, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Ahmed Maiyaki, said the government had commenced coordinated sensitisation and disaster response initiatives to minimise the impact of flooding and protect lives and property.

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According to the statement, rainfall in Kaduna State is expected to commence between May 19 and June 10, 2026, while cessation is projected between October 5 and October 21, 2026.

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The statement further noted that the forecast indicated the possibility of a severe 21-day dry spell between June and August, a development that could worsen flooding and other environmental challenges.

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“The Kaduna State Government is taking this forecast seriously. Early preparedness and public cooperation remain critical to reducing the impact of flooding on our communities,” Maiyaki stated.

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He disclosed that the Ministry of Information and Culture, in collaboration with the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency, had launched a statewide sensitisation campaign aimed at educating residents on flood prevention, mitigation and safety measures.

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Maiyaki urged residents to clear drainage around their homes and business premises and desist from indiscriminate dumping of refuse into waterways.

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He also advised residents in flood-prone communities to adopt preventive measures, including the use of sandbags and other local flood control measures.

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The commissioner appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, media organisations and civil society groups to support government efforts by promoting environmental sanitation and disseminating verified information to the public.

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“The safety of citizens remains a top priority for the Kaduna State Government. We will continue to work with all relevant agencies and communities to ensure timely information dissemination and effective disaster risk reduction measures throughout the rainy season,” he added.

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The statement further disclosed that KADSEMA had commenced vulnerability assessments in flood-prone communities, strengthened emergency response coordination and begun pre-positioning rescue materials and personnel in high-risk areas.

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Flooding has remained a recurring challenge in several parts of Kaduna State and across the country during the rainy season.

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In recent years, heavy rainfall has led to the destruction of houses, farmlands and public infrastructure in several communities, while hundreds of residents were displaced.

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In 2024 and 2025, parts of Kaduna metropolis, Kafanchan, Zaria and some riverine communities witnessed severe flooding following torrential rains and poor drainage systems, prompting repeated warnings from emergency management agencies.

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