By Odita Sunday
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has launched a full-scale rescue and assessment mission in Kaduna State following heavy rainfall that triggered devastating floods in several communities.
NEMA’s Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, confirmed that the Kaduna Operations Office was immediately activated to lead the response. According to her, “Our priority is saving lives, rescuing those stranded, and assessing the level of destruction so that relief can be mobilized without delay.”
The operation is being spearheaded by the Chief Search and Rescue Officer, Mr. Abdulkadir Mohammed, in close coordination with the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA) and other critical stakeholders. Communities already covered in the exercise include Kigo Road, Nassarawa, Bashama Road, Haliru Dantoro Road, Kabala Constain, Rafin Guza, and surrounding areas.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the floods, fueled by torrential rainfall and the overflow of River Kaduna, swept through homes, displacing residents and destroying property. Many victims are now taking refuge with relatives and friends in safer neighborhoods.
Mr. Mohammed explained that operations are ongoing. “Our teams are on the ground conducting search and rescue while also documenting the extent of damage. The situation is serious, but we are committed to mitigating the impact and ensuring timely humanitarian support,” he said.
Meanwhile, NEMA has urged residents in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and cooperate with rescue teams. Relief interventions are expected to follow after the assessment phase.
More updates are expected as operations progress.