The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kaduna State Command, has urged residents residing near river banks to either relocate or adopt serious precautionary measures as the rainy season heightens.

The appeal is contained in a statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASCII Orndiir Terzungwe, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna on Friday.

The statement quoted the State Corps Commandant, Alhaji Modu Bunu, as saying that the warning had become necessary in view of ugly experiences of the past.

“Rain frequency is high in the months of August to October, thereby exposing those who reside near river banks and flood-prone areas to the risk of flood.

“I recall how flood disaster caused untold hardship to residents of Kigo Road, Kabal Coastain, Bachama Road in Tudun-Wada, Ramat Road/Close in Ungwan Rimi and Goni-Gora among other places in Kaduna in the past.

“Therefore, I advise persons who can possibly be affected by flood to do the needful in order to prevent a repeat of the disaster.”

He said the command was ready to discharge its official duties effectively, particularly in disaster management, provided such occurrence was reported promptly.

He stressed that disaster management was one of the mandates of the corps.

Bunu explained that prevention of disaster was better than management and discouraged the public from dumping refuse in drainage to avoid blockage.

The commandant called for the use of designated and legal refuse dumps.

He reiterated the determination of the command to respond promptly and with required attention to emergency situations. (NAN)

•Photo shows Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna.