The Kebbi State Government has begun clearing and evacuating sensitive areas ahead of the rainy season to prevent potential flooding.
The Commissioner for Urban Development, Hayatu Bawa, announced this in a statement issued to journalists in Birnin Kebbi on Friday.
He expressed satisfaction with Governor Nasir Idris for granting approval for the evacuation exercise and commended the governor for providing full support and financial backing to ensure the smooth execution of the operation.
Bawa explained that the aim of the project was to remove dirt and debris from waterways to allow water to flow freely and reduce the risk of flooding.
“We have already started clearing drains to ensure the free flow of water during the rainy season. This measure is intended to prevent water overflow and subsequent flooding,” he said.
He assured residents that the government was making every effort to minimise the devastating effects of flooding.
Bawa urged the public to stop building structures on waterways, refrain from dumping refuse indiscriminately, and avoid activities that could cause blockages and lead to flooding.
He also highlighted that drain clearing remains one of the most effective ways to prevent water from entering people’s homes.
He advised residents in flood-prone areas to relocate to higher ground to safeguard lives and property.
NiMet Predicts Three Days of Rain
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), in its latest weather outlook released on Friday in Abuja, predicted early morning thunderstorms with rainfall from Saturday through Monday.
Thunderstorms are expected in the northern region, affecting parts of Taraba, Kebbi, Zamfara, Kaduna, and Adamawa states.
In the North-Central zone, morning thunderstorms are forecast in parts of Benue, Plateau, Niger, the Federal Capital Territory, and Nasarawa. Later in the day, thunderstorms with rainfall are expected across FCT, Niger, Nasarawa, Benue, Kwara, Kogi, and Plateau.
For the southern region, NiMet anticipates a cloudy morning with possible rain in parts of Enugu, Ebonyi, Cross River, Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Bayelsa.
