Flooding: Taraba Deploys Flood Warning System To Alert Riverine Communities

Taraba State Emergency Management Agency (TSEMA), in collaboration with the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes Project (ACReSAL) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), has installed an early-warning gauge in the Lau local government area to provide timely flood alerts and protect riverine communities.

The intervention is part of the state government’s efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness, improve early warning systems, and reduce the impact of flooding in vulnerable communities.

At the event, the executive secretary of TSEMA, Dr Echuseh Audu, represented by a staff member of the agency, Mr Lucky Yayirus, said the initiative formed part of the proactive measures to enhance community resilience and safeguard lives and livelihoods.

The TSEMA boss said the early warning gauge would enable the residents to monitor rising water levels and receive advance alerts, allowing them to take timely precautionary measures, including evacuation where necessary.

She added that the collaboration among TSEMA, ACReSAL and NIHSA would strengthen flood-risk management and support efforts to protect communities exposed to recurring flooding across the state.

The agencies reaffirmed their commitment to sustained engagement with the communities and other stakeholders to improve climate resilience and reduce disaster risks in flood-prone areas.

Meanwhile, TSEMA has commenced a flood sensitization and awareness campaign across Takum, Wukari, Donga and Ibi local government areas in the southern part of the state.

The campaign aimed to educate residents of flood-prone and riverine communities on preventive measures, early warning signs, evacuation procedures, and other safety practices ahead of the peak of the rainy season.

As part of the exercise, Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) in the affected local government areas have begun grassroots sensitization and community engagements.

The committees are mobilizing traditional rulers, youth groups, women’s associations, and community leaders to disseminate information about flood risks, safe evacuation routes, and disaster preparedness measures.

According to TSEMA, it would continue working with the LEMCs, local authorities, and other relevant stakeholders to minimize the impact of flooding, protect lives, and safeguard property in vulnerable communities.

The agency further urged residents, particularly those living in riverine and flood-prone areas, to remain vigilant, heed early warning alerts and cooperate with emergency responders throughout the rainy season.