By Abdullahi Inuwa
With the peak of the rainy season approaching, the Katsina State Government has intensified efforts to prevent flood-related disasters, as the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), in partnership with the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and UNICEF Field Office Kano, launched a comprehensive flood preparedness and emergency response exercise in communities surrounding Are Dam in Rimi Local Government Area.
The initiative is designed to strengthen the resilience of vulnerable communities, reduce disaster risks and protect lives, livelihoods and critical Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities from the devastating impact of potential flooding.
The exercise brought together officials from relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Rimi Local Government Council, civil society organisations and community leaders to develop a coordinated emergency response framework ahead of possible flood incidents.
Representing the Executive Director of RUWASSA, the Agency’s UNICEF WASH Desk Officer, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, said the programme reflects the government’s commitment to proactive disaster management rather than emergency reaction.
He stressed that early planning, community participation and strong collaboration with development partners remain the most effective tools for reducing the impact of floods on vulnerable populations.
As part of the exercise, participants carried out detailed community risk assessments, identified flood-prone locations, mapped evacuation routes and designated temporary safe shelters for residents in the event of an emergency.
The programme also focused on strengthening communication channels and coordination mechanisms among emergency responders to ensure swift and effective action whenever flood threats arise.
Residents of communities around Are Dam received extensive sensitisation on flood prevention, early warning systems and household preparedness measures, alongside practical guidance on maintaining safe Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) practices before, during and after flooding.
Community members were advised to heed official weather alerts, stay away from flood-prone areas during heavy rainfall and prioritise the safety of children, elderly persons, pregnant women and persons living with disabilities.
The exercise further enhanced collaboration between government agencies, humanitarian organisations and local community structures by clearly defining their roles and responsibilities in disaster preparedness and emergency response.
RUWASSA expressed appreciation to UNICEF for its technical and financial support, while also commending the Katsina State Government, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Rimi Local Government Council, traditional leaders and other stakeholders whose contributions ensured the success of the exercise.
The agency reaffirmed its determination to continue working with partners to strengthen climate resilience, improve emergency preparedness and guarantee sustainable access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene services for vulnerable communities across Katsina State as the state steps up measures to mitigate the growing risks posed by climate change and seasonal flooding.
