NEMA holds flood simulation in Kano to boost emergency response

In a major push to strengthen disaster preparedness, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has carried out a large-scale flood response drill in Wudil Local Government Area of Kano State.

The exercise, held on Saturday, was aimed at testing the country’s readiness to tackle potential flooding as Nigeria approaches another rainy season.

The exercise comes at a time when several northern states, including Kano, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara, have been identified as high-risk zones for flood disasters in 2025. This warning came from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, both of which predict a challenging season ahead.

Triggered by recent flooding in Mokwa, Niger State, the simulation was designed to reflect a forced water release from three major dams — Tiga, Challawa, and Bagauda — to mimic a real-life flood scenario along the River Kano axis. The goal was to assess the response capacity of emergency services and communities in affected areas.

NEMA Director-General Zubaida Umar explained that the simulation is part of a broader strategy to ensure that emergency plans are not just theoretical. She stressed that practicing these scenarios before disasters strike can make a huge difference in how effectively lives and properties are protected when the real danger arrives.

She noted that beyond testing plans, the simulation aimed to expose weaknesses in coordination, communication, and response time among various stakeholders, including local authorities, first responders, and the affected communities.

By running this exercise in a real-life setting, the agency hopes to build stronger collaboration and improve the capacity of local and state-level teams to respond quickly and efficiently during actual emergencies.

Umar said the agency’s long-term goal is to build a culture of readiness in flood-prone areas, especially as the country faces worsening climate-related challenges. She urged all relevant bodies, from local government councils to state agencies, to take lessons from the simulation seriously and build on them.

The simulation also served as a reminder that disaster management is not only about response but about prevention and early action. NEMA said it would continue to work with communities, state governments, and development partners to reduce the risks and impact of floods across the country.

As the rainy season draws near, the agency called on residents in vulnerable areas to stay alert and follow early warning alerts. It also urged local authorities to upgrade drainage systems, clear water channels, and invest in education campaigns to better inform communities about how to stay safe.