By; ALEX UANGBAOJE, Kaduna
As part of activities to commemorate the International Day of Disaster Risk (IDDR), in Kaduna State, the State
Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA), on Thursday, embarked on a road walk within Kaduna city.
In 2009, United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) officially designated 13 October as the date to commemorate IDDRR, which began in 1989 after a call by the UNGA to select a day
to promote global culture of risk-awareness and disaster reduction.
The day was aimed to celebrate how people and communities around the world are reducing their
exposures to disasters and raising awareness about its importance.
In his remarks at the end of the road walk, Executive Secretary of the agency, Muhammed Mu’azu Mukaddas, said this year’s theme is focused on target G of the “The Sendai Seven Campaign” launched by the UN in 2016, which
is to “Substantially increase the availability of and access to multi-hazard early warning systems and disaster risk
information and assessments to people by 2030.”
This he said the theme is inline with the State Governor, Malam Nasir el-Rufai’s transformative development plan.
The ES, noted that a look around Kaduna metropolis, shows the numerous CCTV cameras installed at strategic points and
linked to the central command and control unit. This milestone, he said has not only eased security surveillance but serves as an early warning mechanism which monitors strange movements of suspicious elements.
Mukaddas, further stated that installation of the Automated Flood Early Warning System (AFEWS) and flood gauge in some communities by some partners of the agency are testaments of the of State Government’s collaborative efforts, and commitment to promoting access to multi-hazard early warning systems in the communities and to disseminate information for early action among others.
“This aided the great works
KADSEMA and partners have done to avert effect of the flash flood experienced in parts of the state in 2022 in comparison to what neighbouring states suffered in 2022.
.
“By this, it is paramount to commend His Excellency Governor Nasir Ahmad ElRufai’s government partnership
policy with non-government actors that has yielded unquantifiable benefits to the State. Of recent for instance, NEWMAP in collaboration with the State Ministry of
Environment installed an Automated Flood Early Warning System (AFEWS) in Romi, Kaduna Water Board and Zaria
respectively, in addition to the Flood Gauge at River Kaduna.
“Christian-Aid had earlier installed flood gauges in three (3) communities of Unguwan Rimi, Bashama and Romi/Karatudu”. He explained.
“Kaduna SEMA recently reviewed the State’s Risk Analysis Mapping and Updated its Multi Hazard
Contingency Plan; Conducted Sub-National Coordination Meeting with all relevant stakeholders aimed at instigating Early Warning; Prevention; Mitigation; Preparedness; Response and Recovery.
“This followed the seasonal prediction of probable risks which where to affect 4 amongst our LGAs. Our early action eventually led to activation of Emergency
Operation and Coordination centre with memberships across all sectors; and a tactical team to combat any form of emergency that may befall our dear state, all aimed at rapidly preparing to respond and save lives and property of
citizens.
“The aforementioned was a practical test of our ability to synergize and collaborate with relevant government and nongovernment actors. Our combined collaborative efforts of
massive sensitization to flood prone areas and vulnerable communities; live radio and television programmes and jingles saw us through the controllable effects of the flash flood in comparison to other states.
“As we mark this day, I wish to commend the state government for providing KADSEMA and partners an enabling environment in which we operate; and our donors; UNICEF, Christian Aid and COOPI for supporting us in the area of
disaster risk reduction and early warning systems,” he added.
