Kaduna intensifies flood preparedness, launches awareness campaign

The Kaduna State Government has stepped up flood preparedness measures and launched a statewide public awareness campaign following forecasts of above-normal rainfall during the 2026 rainy season.

This follows the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, which identified Kaduna among states at high risk of flooding.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Ahmed Maiyaki, the government said it was strengthening sensitisation and emergency response efforts to protect lives and property across the state.

According to the forecast, rainfall in Kaduna is expected to begin between May 19 and June 10, while the rainy season is projected to end between October 5 and October 21, 2026.

The report also predicted a possible 21-day dry spell between June and August, a condition experts say could worsen flooding and other environmental challenges.

Maiyaki said the state government was treating the forecast with urgency, stressing that early preparedness and public cooperation were essential in reducing the impact of flooding.

“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,” he said.

He disclosed that the Ministry of Information and Culture, in collaboration with the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency, had begun a statewide sensitisation campaign to educate residents on flood prevention and safety measures.

Residents were advised to clear drainages around their homes and business premises, avoid dumping refuse into waterways, and adopt preventive measures such as the use of sandbags to reduce flood risks.

The commissioner also urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, media organisations, and civil society groups to support the campaign by promoting environmental sanitation and sharing verified information with the public.

Maiyaki added that KADSEMA had commenced vulnerability assessments in flood-prone communities, strengthened emergency response coordination, and begun preparations for rescue operations in high-risk areas.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding residents throughout the rainy season through effective disaster risk reduction and timely information dissemination.