By Muhammad Sani Muazu
Concerns are mounting over the predicted flood in some local government areas of Bauchi state where experts continue to advise residents on preventive measures.
State governments on the other hand expressed its readiness to take measures aimed at mitigating the effect of the flood.
The stakeholders made the pronouncements while speaking with correspondent Muhammad Sani Mu’azu.
The Executive Director of the Pastoralist Development and Conservation Society in Nigeria, Shu’aibu Aliyu Kobi, has urged residents to take preventive measures to reduce the negative impacts of the flood.
According to Kobi, there are two types of flooding predicted – urban and rural, warned against blocking waterways, which could lead to urban flooding.
He called on the Bauchi State Environmental Protection Agency (BASEPA) to enforce laws and prevent the blocking of drainages.
Kobi also criticized the Bauchi State Urban Development Board for their negligence in urban planning, which he believes has contributed to the flood risk.
Regarding rural flooding, Kobi advised farmers to avoid farming along river banks to prevent huge losses.
Meanwhile, the Director of Relief and Rehabilitation at the Bauchi State Emergency Management Agency, Adamu Nayola, has assured that the agency is working closely with various MDAs to mitigate the predicted disaster.
Nayola stated that this year’s flood prediction has identified the affected local governments, communities, and timeframe, making it easier for the state emergency management to prepare and respond.
In addition, Nayola revealed that the agency, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, has identified health facilities near the predicted flood areas to quickly provide medical attention to casualties in case of any eventuality.