NEMA Intensifies Rescue, Inspections as Floods Ravage Kaduna Communities
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has stepped up rescue and inspection efforts in Kaduna State following days of intense rainfall that triggered flooding across several communities.
In a statement on Saturday, the agency said its Kaduna Operations Office had been fully activated to coordinate emergency response, covering Kigo Road, Nassarawa, Bashama Road, Haliru Dantoro Road, Kabala Constain, Rafin Guza, and adjoining neighbourhoods.
NEMA’s Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, confirmed that field teams were working round the clock to assist victims and assess damage.
“Our teams are on the ground working to rescue victims and evaluate the impact of the flooding. We are coordinating closely with KADSEMA and other stakeholders to ensure timely support,” she said.
Chief Search and Rescue Officer, Mr. Abdulkadir Mohammed, added that the priority remained saving lives and identifying urgent humanitarian needs.
“Our teams continue to conduct rescue operations and rapid assessments to identify those in need. NEMA remains committed to providing humanitarian support and mitigating the impact of this disaster,” he said.
The flooding, caused by torrential rainfall and the overflowing of the River Kaduna, has displaced several families, with many taking temporary refuge in safer areas with relatives and friends. Properties and infrastructure have also been damaged.
NEMA noted that operations are ongoing in partnership with the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency, the Nigerian Red Cross Society, and local government officials.
The agency also recalled that just days earlier, on September 11, it led a joint flash flood inspection in Zaria’s Tukur-Tukur and Anguwan Juma wards to identify vulnerable areas and strengthen coordinated response strategies.
Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Environment has warned that Kaduna remains among 14 states at risk of heavy rainfall and flooding between September 4 and 8, identifying Kafanchan as a high-risk area.
Rescue efforts are continuing, with further updates expected as assessments progress.
