Kano State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, has warned the residents of no fewer than 20 local government areas to clear their drains to prevent flooding in the state.
The Executive Secretary of the agency, Dr Sale Jili, gave the warning in an interview with newsmen on Wednesday.
Listing out the local government areas likely to be affected, Mr Jili mentioned 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.
According to him, the call became necessary following the prediction by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMeT, that some states, including Kano, would experience serious floods in 2020 due to heavy rainfall.
“Our interest is to maintain a flood free environment in the state,’’ he said.
Mr Jili noted that some houses were built with mud, while weak materials were used to make blocks which could not contain water during heavy rain.
He, however, assured that the Agency would not relent in its effort to protect lives and property.
Mr 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 windstorm and rainstorm.
Meanwhile, the Agency said that the rainstorm had destroyed crops worth over N40 million in Bagwai LGA of the state.
The executive secretary of the agency 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.’’
Mr Jili said that relief materials, including 100 bags of cement, 10 bundles of roofing sheets, 50 pieces of 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.
