The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has launched a nationwide disaster preparedness campaign in Bauchi State aimed at reducing the impact of flooding and other related disasters across vulnerable communities.

Speaking during the stakeholders’ engagement and flag-off ceremony on Thursday in Bauchi, the Director-General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, said the agency had developed vulnerability maps to guide communities and authorities in tackling flood risks.

Represented by the Northeast Zonal Director, Suleiman Abdullahi, the NEMA boss noted that flooding continues to cause loss of lives, destruction of infrastructure and displacement of residents in many parts of the country.

She explained that predictions released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and other relevant agencies identified 14 states and 132 local government areas as high-risk flood zones this year.

Umar stressed the need for collective action among government agencies, community leaders and residents to minimise the devastating effects of floods.

Also speaking, the Bauchi State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Amina Katagum, urged civil society organisations, traditional rulers and religious leaders to sensitise residents on disaster preparedness measures.

She commended NEMA for organising the campaign and advised people living in flood-prone areas to avoid erecting structures on waterways and maintain proper environmental sanitation.