NiMet Flood Alert: Red Cross, UNICEF launch community response plan in Jigawa
In line with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) forecasts that flooding may hit about 20 local government areas in Jigawa State this rainy season, the Nigerian Red Cross Society and
In line with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) forecasts that flooding may hit about 20 local government areas in Jigawa State this rainy season, the Nigerian Red Cross Society and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have launched a Community Emergency Response Plan (CERP) to cushion the impact on vulnerable communities.
The plan, developed by the Red Cross with funding from the European Union Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid, was presented to affected communities at a stakeholders’ meeting in Auyo.
Reports indicate that riverine local government areas such as Auyo, Hadejia and Miga, which are largely rural and dependent on farming, fishing, livestock rearing and petty trading, remain highly exposed to seasonal flooding.
Heavy rainfall and rising water levels often destroy farmlands, displace households and disrupt economic activities.
Speaking at the event, UNICEF Communications Specialist, Samuel Kaalu, said the initiative is designed to guide communities on actions before, during and after flood disasters.
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Kaalu noted that flooding frequently leads to displacement, loss of livelihoods and heightened vulnerability, especially among women and children.
He said, “When disasters occur, lives are disrupted, people are forced out of their homes and farmlands are destroyed. For us in UNICEF, the impact on children and women is of particular concern.
“This plan is not just a document but a practical guide. Communities must use it effectively so that even if flooding occurs, the consequences are minimised.”
The Emergency Response Plan, developed through consultations with local stakeholders, outlines coordination structures and clearly defines roles for communities, local authorities and emergency agencies across all phases of disaster management.
Under the framework, collaboration is expected among local governments, the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), humanitarian organisations and trained volunteers to ensure swift and coordinated responses.
Hadejia, a key historical and economic hub, remains particularly vulnerable due to its proximity to the Hadejia River and the Hadejia-Nguru wetlands. While the fertile floodplains support agriculture and trade, they also expose residents to recurrent flooding and environmental disruptions.
Similarly, Miga and Auyo face risks of flooding, erosion and land degradation, particularly in settlements near wetlands and seasonal rivers.
Local institutions, including emergency management committees, traditional rulers and community volunteers, are expected to play pivotal roles in early warning dissemination, mobilisation and response.
At the state level, preparedness efforts are being coordinated by SEMA in partnership with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Red Cross and other stakeholders.
The plan also prioritises early warning systems, evacuation strategies, pre-positioning of relief materials and regular simulation exercises in line with global best practices.
Officials expressed optimism that the initiative would strengthen monitoring of flood indicators, improve alert dissemination, and ensure the rapid deployment of resources to mitigate impacts on at-risk communities.
Experts, however, stressed that sustained implementation and active community participation remain critical to safeguarding lives and livelihoods amid rising climate-related threats.
