Bauchi Gears Up to Prevent Flooding Before Rainy Season

The Bauchi State Government has initiated proactive steps to tackle flooding as the rainy season approaches.

Hajara Wanka, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, made this known on Wednesday during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting focused on sustainable flood disaster management.

She emphasized that one key strategy involves collaboration with stakeholders, particularly those from communities affected by flooding in 2024.

Wanka noted that the meeting, themed “Building Resilience and Collaborative Solutions for Flood-Affected Communities,” serves as a call to action for all stakeholders to develop strategies that are not only reactive but also preventive and sustainable.

The discussions aimed at identifying effective flood prevention and mitigation strategies, enhancing preparedness, and establishing proper evacuation plans where necessary.

“This town hall meeting is a crucial step toward building resilient communities, minimizing risks, and ensuring effective response and recovery mechanisms against flood disasters,” Wanka stated.

She highlighted that flooding remains one of the most frequent and destructive natural disasters affecting Bauchi State, which ranked second in Nigeria for flood devastation in 2024, following Borno State.

“Lives were lost, livelihoods were disrupted, and the disaster posed significant socio-economic challenges. However, today’s engagement is about moving forward with sustainability, collaboration, and community-driven solutions at the core,” she added.

Also speaking at the event, Adamu Neyola, Director of Relief and Rehabilitation at the Bauchi State Emergency Management Agency, revealed that 16 local government areas were impacted by the 2024 floods.

He noted that the meeting would help identify overlooked areas during previous assessments while gathering detailed information on the severity and extent of the disaster to develop effective recovery and mitigation plans.

“This disaster directly affects local communities, and they are best positioned to share insights into the causes, impacts, and coping mechanisms. Their input is essential in shaping solutions that will help prevent future occurrences,” Neyola explained.

In his remarks, Ibrahim Bashir, Bauchi State Coordinator of the North-East Development Commission, reassured attendees of the commission’s commitment to addressing disasters across the Northeastern region.