By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

Disaster and environmental experts have advised Nigerians to adopt proactive measures to prevent flooding and the outbreak of waterborne diseases as the rainy season approaches.

The advice was given at the March edition of the Kaduna Monthly Climate Hangout Forum, organised by the Climate Change and Environment Desk of the Interfaith Mediation Center (IMC) in collaboration with African Climate Reporters (ACR) and the Office of the Kaduna State Special Adviser on Climate Change.

The forum, a multi-stakeholder platform, brought together scientists, geologists, environmental journalists, medical practitioners, religious and traditional leaders, waste management institutions, as well as youth, women groups and civil society organisations to deliberate on climate and environmental challenges.

With the theme, “Addressing Climate Impacts on Water: Flooding, Pollution, and Disease Prevention,” discussions centered on the growing threats climate change poses to water systems and public health

Delivering a presentation, a disaster risk management expert with Global Eco-Vigilance, Alhaji Shehu Umar Abdul, said climate change was significantly disrupting water systems globally, increasing the risks of flooding, water pollution and the spread of waterborne diseases.

He noted that the Impacts of climate change were already affecting human health, livelihoods and environmental sustainability.

According to him, these effects include rising temperatures, intense storms, prolonged droughts, sea level rise, biodiversity loss, food insecurity, increased health risks, as well as poverty and displacement.

Abdul recommended measures such as improving drainage systems, strengthening urban planning, investing in flood control infrastructure and developing early warning systems.

He also stressed the need for increased community awareness and stronger waste management practices to tackle water pollution.

In his remarks, former Managing Director of Kaduna State Water Corporation (KADSWAC), Comrade Sunusi Mai Kudi, called for behavioural change among citizens, especially in ending indiscriminate dumping of waste and plastics into drainage channels and water bodies.

He warned that such practices contribute to flooding, environmental degradation and the spread of diseases like cholera.

Mai Kudi added that pollution also destroys aquatic ecosystems, contaminates drinking water sources and endangers wildlife, noting that plastic waste remains in the environment for decades.

Participants at the forum also highlighted challenges associated with the rainy season, including flooding, erosion, water contamination and rising cases of waterborne diseases, while proffering practical solutions to enhance community resilience.

Speaking, Comrade Nasir Abbas of Water Rights Initiative Nigeria emphasised that access to clean water is essential to life and urged collective responsibility in protecting water resources.

He advocated sustainable waste management practices such as reduction, reuse and recycling to safeguard public health and the environment.

Similarly, Mallam Umar Abubakar called for intensified efforts to prevent water contamination affecting humans, plants and animals, stressing the need for sustained awareness campaigns.

The Kaduna Monthly Climate Hangout, initiated several years ago, has continued to strengthen climate and environmental reporting by providing a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration among experts and journalists.

Research by African Climate Reporters indicates that journalists in Kaduna are increasingly taking the lead in climate and science reporting due to sustained engagement with scientists and academics through the forum.

Responding, Mr Samson Auta of the Interfaith Mediation Center said the initiative had grown significantly, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, with other states beginning to replicate the model.

He appreciated the Office of the Special Adviser to the Kaduna State Governor on Climate Change, led by Yusuf Idris Amoke, for its continued support, as well as other stakeholders for their commitment.

The forum, he said, remains a critical platform for promoting dialogue and collective action towards environmental sustainability and climate resilience.