By EZRA MUSA

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has identified 166 communities in Kaduna State as vulnerable to river flooding, warning of increased risks of flash and river floods as rainfall peaks.

Mr Yusuf Yakong, Senior Hydrologist with NIHSA, gave the warning on Friday at a joint meeting of the 2026 Flood Strategic and Tactical Response Teams in Kaduna.

He said the alert was based on forecasts by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and NIHSA, which placed Kaduna among states at risk of flooding.

According to him, NiMet forecast flash floods in the state, while NIHSA’s advisory for July 21 to July 27 classified Kaduna under medium river flood risk.

Yakong said 166 communities in Lere Local Government Area, 16 schools, three health facilities and three places of worship had been identified as vulnerable.

He added that NIHSA’s 2026 Annual Flood Outlook had earlier listed 21 local government areas in Kaduna as flood-prone.

“July, August and September are the peak rainfall months. The soil is saturated and river levels are rising, increasing the likelihood of flooding,” he said.

Yakong said NEMA’s Geographic Information System (GIS) Unit was validating the data before circulating the updated list of vulnerable communities to stakeholders.

Responding, the Director of Relief and Disaster Management, Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA), Mubarak Zakari, said the agency was operational ready.

“Our priority is to extend preparedness to other flood-prone communities and ensure response teams are fully activated,” he said.

Zakari said KADSEMA had intensified surveillance of vulnerable locations and has activated all relevant stakeholders to ensure rapid response where required.

He urged residents in flood-prone communities to comply with official advisories and relocate immediately whenever evacuation became necessary. (NAN)