By Khadija Kubau
The EduMedia Climate Reform on Health Initiative (e-MICH) has called on residents of Kaduna State to take urgent precautionary measures against possible flooding and its associated public health risks following persistent rainfall and forecasts of continued heavy downpours.
In a press statement issued on Thursday by the organisation’s Communication Officer, Dr. Hadiza Abdullahi, e-MICH expressed concern over the heightened risk of flooding in several communities across the state.
The organisation identified flood-prone areas to include Abubakar Kigo Road in Kaduna North Local Government Area, Barnawa in Kaduna South Local Government Area, and Karatudu, Narayi and Sabon Tasha in Chikun Local Government Area, urging residents to remain vigilant and take proactive steps to protect lives and property.
According to the statement, flooding extends beyond a humanitarian challenge, posing serious public health threats through the contamination of drinking water sources, which could trigger outbreaks of cholera, typhoid fever, diarrhoea and other water-borne diseases. It also warned that stagnant floodwaters create breeding grounds for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of malaria.
The organisation further noted that flooding could disrupt access to healthcare services, particularly for pregnant women, nursing mothers, children under the age of five, older persons and persons living with disabilities.
To minimise the impact of flooding, e-MICH advised residents to refrain from dumping refuse in drainage channels, clear blocked drains around homes and communities, relocate from high-risk areas where necessary, avoid walking or driving through floodwaters, and ensure that drinking water is properly treated or boiled before consumption.
It also urged families to seek prompt medical attention if anyone develops symptoms such as diarrhoea, persistent fever or other illnesses associated with flood-related contamination.
The organisation called on the Kaduna State Government, emergency management agencies, local government councils, community leaders, civil society organisations and the media to intensify flood awareness campaigns, strengthen emergency preparedness, improve drainage infrastructure and guarantee uninterrupted access to essential healthcare services in vulnerable communities.
e-MICH also encouraged residents to follow official weather and emergency advisories and promptly report flooding incidents to the relevant authorities.
The organisation stressed that collective preparedness, environmental responsibility and timely action remain the most effective strategies for reducing the devastating impact of floods and safeguarding public health.
