By GARBA MUHAMMAD

The EduMedia Climate Reform on Health Initiative (e-MICH) has expressed concern over the increasing threat of flooding across parts of Kaduna State, calling on residents, government agencies and community leaders to intensify preparedness efforts to prevent loss of lives and protect public health.

The organisation, in a press statement issued on Thursday, 30th July, 2026, warned that persistent rainfall and forecasts of continued heavy downpours have heightened the risk of flooding in vulnerable communities, including Abubakar Kigo Road in Kaduna North, Barnawa in Kaduna South, and Karatudu, Narayi and Sabon Tasha in Chikun Local Government Area, as well as other flood-prone locations across the state.

According to e-MICH, flooding poses not only a humanitarian challenge but also a serious public health emergency, as contaminated floodwaters can trigger outbreaks of cholera, typhoid fever, diarrhoea and other water-borne diseases, while stagnant water creates breeding grounds for mosquitoes that spread malaria.

The organisation further noted that flooding could disrupt access to healthcare services, particularly for pregnant women, nursing mothers, children under five, older persons and persons living with disabilities.

It urged 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.

e-MICH also advised families to seek immediate medical attention whenever symptoms such as persistent fever, diarrhoea or other flood-related illnesses occur.

The organisation called on the Kaduna State Government, emergency management agencies, local government councils, community leaders, civil society organisations and the media to strengthen flood awareness campaigns, improve emergency preparedness, upgrade drainage infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted access to essential healthcare services in vulnerable communities.

It further encouraged residents to follow official weather forecasts and emergency advisories and promptly report flooding incidents to the appropriate authorities.

According to e-MICH, collective preparedness, environmental responsibility and timely action remain the most effective measures for reducing the devastating impact of floods and safeguarding public health across Kaduna State.