The Jigawa State Government says it has commenced early preparations ahead of the 2026 rainy season with the approval of N353 million for emergency response equipment, including 20 motorised flying boats, relief materials, and life-saving gear to curb the impact of anticipated flooding across vulnerable communities.

The Executive Secretary of the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency, Alhaji Hannafi Yakubu, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the state’s preparedness plan ahead of the rainy season.

Yakubu said the intervention became necessary following early warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, which projected that Jigawa may experience severe flooding in 11 local government areas, while some other parts of the state could also face dry spells.

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According to him, the state government has approved the release of over N353 million for the procurement of critical emergency response tools aimed at strengthening preparedness and improving rapid response during disasters.

He added that the government has also approved the renovation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps to ensure they are in good condition to accommodate residents who may be displaced during flooding emergencies.

Yakubu explained that the 11 high-risk local government areas have been placed under close monitoring, with relevant agencies already implementing preventive measures to minimise potential loss of lives and property.

He also revealed that 11 trucks of food and non-food relief materials have been positioned for immediate deployment to affected communities should flooding occur.

“Residents, especially those in flood-prone areas, must clear blocked drainages, avoid building on waterways, and cooperate with emergency officials to prevent avoidable disasters,” he urged.

He stressed that with climate-related disasters becoming increasingly frequent across the country, proactive planning remains the most effective strategy to safeguard lives and livelihoods and reduce the economic impact of flooding.

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