An NGO, the EduMedia Climate Reform on Health Initiative (e-MICH) in Kaduna, has alerted the state government and residents on impending risk of flood-linked diseases, following persistent heavy downpour across the state.
The e-MICH Communications Officer, Dr Hadiza Abdullahi, gave the warning in a statement signed on Thursday in Kaduna.
She listed Abubakar Kigo Road in Kaduna North, Barnawa in Kaduna South, Karatudu, Narayi and Sabon Tasha in Chikun area as some of the communities requiring heightened vigilance.
Abdullahi noted that floods could contaminate drinking water sources, increasing the risk of cholera, typhoid fever, diarrhoea and other water-borne diseases, while stagnant water could create breeding grounds for mosquitoes, causative agents of malaria.
The spokesperson also said floods could disrupt access to healthcare services, particularly for pregnant women, nursing mothers, children under five, older persons and persons living with disabilities.
She, therefore, called on residents to clear blocked drains, avoid dumping refuse into drains, move away from low to higher ground where necessary and refrain from walking or driving through floodwaters.
Abdullahi advised residents to boil or properly treat drinking water before use and seek immediate medical attention for symptoms such as diarrhoea, persistent fever and other illnesses linked to flood contamination.
“Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official weather and emergency advisories and to promptly report flooding incidents to the appropriate authorities,” the spokesperson said.
She called on the state government, media, community leaders and civil society organisations to intensify flood awareness campaigns, strengthen emergency preparedness and ensure uninterrupted access to healthcare services in vulnerable communities.
“Timely intervention and collective preparedness remained critical to reducing flood-related health risks and protecting lives,” Abdullahi said.(NAN)
