By Aliyu Bala Gerengi, Gombe
Residents of Dukku Local Government Area have been urged to remain vigilant and adopt preventive measures against the threat of flooding following renewed warnings by emergency management agencies in Gombe State.
The sensitization campaign, organized by the Gombe State Emergency Management Agency in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency and the National Orientation Agency, was held at the Dukku Local Government Secretariat with the aim of educating residents on the dangers associated with flood disasters and the importance of early preparedness.
Addressing participants during the programme, the Director of the Gombe State Emergency Management Agency, Malam Ibrahim Nalado, disclosed that recent environmental forecasts have indicated the possibility of heavy flooding in several parts of Nigeria, including some local government areas in Gombe State.
He emphasized the need for communities to take the warning seriously, stressing that proactive measures and public awareness remain key to reducing the devastating impact of floods on lives, farmlands, and property.
Malam Nalado further called on traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders to support government efforts by disseminating vital safety information to residents at the grassroots level.
Also speaking at the Gombe state Director National Orientation Agency, Hajiya Maimuna Abubakar, expressed satisfaction with the cooperation shown by the people of Dukku while appealed for unity and collective responsibility in confronting the anticipated flooding challenge.
Officials from the emergency management agencies, including Kabiru Idris Molki and Engineer Dahiru Ajiya, highlighted several risks associated with flooding, including destruction of homes, displacement of families, loss of agricultural produce, and outbreak of diseases.
They also educated residents on precautionary measures such as avoiding blockage of waterways, relocating from flood prone areas when necessary, and maintaining proper environmental sanitation to ensure public safety.
According to the officials, the sensitization exercise followed a strategic meeting held in Abuja where representatives from states across the federation reviewed flood predictions and disaster preparedness strategies ahead of the rainy season.
Representing the Oversea of Dukku Local Government Council, the Head of the ESD Department, Malam Ibrahim Muhammad, appreciated the agencies for bringing the awareness campaign to the area and reaffirmed the council’s readiness to support all efforts aimed at protecting lives and property.
The campaign forms part of wider state government efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness and safeguard communities from the devastating effects of flooding during the rainy season.