NEMA Flags 148 Communities in Jigawa for Possible Flooding in 2026

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has identified 148 communities across 17 local government areas of Jigawa State as being at moderate risk of flooding during the 2026 rainy season, prompting renewed calls for early preparedness and coordinated disaster management efforts.

The warning was issued on Thursday in Dutse during a stakeholders engagement and the launch of the 2026 National Preparedness and Response Campaign (NPRC) on Flood Disaster and Related Hazards.

Speaking at the event, the Director-General of NEMA, Hajiya Zubaida Umar, represented by the agency’s North-West Zonal Director, Aliyu Shehu, said the identification followed assessments based on forecasts contained in the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook released by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).

According to her, the local government areas identified as vulnerable include Auyo, Birniwa, Birnin Kudu, Dutse, Guri, Gwaram, Hadejia, Jahun, Kafin Hausa, Kaugama, Kirikasamma, Kiyawa, Maigatari, Malam Madori, Miga, Ringim and Taura.

She noted that the forecast points to a combination of delayed rainfall in some locations, shorter growing seasons, prolonged dry spells, intense rainfall episodes and rising temperatures, all of which could significantly affect communities and economic activities.

“Our assessment indicates that 17 local government areas and 148 communities in Jigawa have been identified as moderate flood-risk areas requiring heightened preparedness and early action,” she said.

“These climate-related risks have implications for agriculture, water resources, public health, transportation, education and economic activities across the state.”

The NEMA chief disclosed that the agency has developed a comprehensive 2026 Climate-Related Risk Management, Preparedness and Mitigation Framework aimed at strengthening disaster response mechanisms and improving coordination among stakeholders. She stressed the need for continuous public awareness campaigns, regular monitoring of weather forecasts and prompt dissemination of early warning information to communities likely to be affected.

Umar also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, local government authorities, community groups and media organisations to support efforts aimed at ensuring vulnerable populations receive timely information that could help prevent disasters.

She warned residents against activities that increase flood risks, particularly the construction of structures on waterways and the indiscriminate disposal of refuse into drainage channels.

“Communities in identified risk areas should familiarise themselves with evacuation routes and pay close attention to official warnings whenever they are issued,” she advised.

“It is also my expectation that today’s engagement will strengthen preparedness, enhance coordination among stakeholders, reduce disaster risks and protect lives, livelihoods and critical infrastructure across Jigawa State.”

Also speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Hannafi Yakubu, described the engagement as timely and critical to strengthening the state’s disaster management architecture.

Yakubu disclosed that the state government has already procured 20 speedboats and locally made canoes to facilitate emergency evacuations and rescue operations in flood-prone areas.

He added that the agency, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, would soon commence extensive sensitisation campaigns across riverine and vulnerable communities to encourage proactive measures and reduce potential losses.

According to him, the intervention is designed to mobilise residents and stakeholders towards collective action that will minimise the impact of possible flooding and other climate-induced disasters.