As concerns mount over forecasts of heavy rainfall and possible flooding across parts of the country, the Village Head of Kwanka in Lafia Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Malam Dogara Muhammad, has appealed to both the federal and state governments to take proactive measures to protect vulnerable communities from impending disaster.
The traditional ruler made the appeal while speaking on the recurring flooding challenges facing the community, warning that residents remain at risk of another devastating experience if urgent interventions are not undertaken.
According to him, Kwanka has suffered years of destructive flooding, resulting in the loss of lives, destruction of homes, and displacement of residents.
Malam Muhammad recalled that three residents of the community lost their lives during a major flooding incident three years ago after several days of sustained rainfall overwhelmed the area.
He added that numerous houses were destroyed during the disaster, leaving many families homeless and forcing others to seek refuge elsewhere.
The village head said residents became alarmed after hearing recent weather forecasts by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which predicted intense rainfall and possible flooding in several parts of the country.
“We are appealing to the government to come to our aid before another tragedy occurs. We have suffered greatly from flooding in the past, and we do not want to witness another loss of lives,” he said.
He explained that repeated flooding has left deep erosion channels and gullies across the community, worsening environmental degradation and increasing the vulnerability of residents during the rainy season.
According to him, the damaged landscape now poses a serious threat to homes, farmlands, roads, and critical infrastructure within the area.
The traditional ruler called on relevant authorities, including emergency management agencies, environmental experts, and disaster response bodies, to undertake urgent assessment and mitigation measures to prevent a recurrence of past tragedies.
He stressed that timely intervention through drainage construction, erosion control projects, and flood management initiatives would go a long way in safeguarding lives and property.
Residents of the community have also expressed concern over the approaching peak of the rainy season, urging government agencies to act swiftly before the situation escalates into a humanitarian crisis.
The appeal comes amid growing warnings from weather and disaster management authorities about the heightened risk of flooding in several states as rainfall intensifies across the country.
