Residents of Tudun-Wada ward in Kaduna South Local Government Area of Kaduna State have suggested solutions the federal and state governments should apply to address the recurring floods inundating the ward and its environs every rainy season.
They want the governments to dredge River Kaduna; permanently relocating households most at risk; and remove illegal dumpsites along the riverbank, which, they say, block water flow, worsen flooding and pose health risks.
Community members said repeated emergency relief efforts provide only temporary support and do not tackle the underlying causes of floods that have affected the area for more than three decades.
Residents said that despite interventions by agencies such as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Red Cross and the state government, the community remains vulnerable to the same cycle of damage each year.
Several residents said annual evacuations have failed to bring lasting relief, stressing that relocation to safer areas and river dredging are more urgent than short-term aid.
Others noted that floodwaters often carry refuse from nearby dumpsites into homes, destroying property and making recovery increasingly difficult.
Emergency response agencies acknowledged the scale of the challenge but highlighted ongoing efforts to reduce disaster risks.
NEMA said it is strengthening community preparedness, simulation exercises and coordination with state authorities to improve response and resilience.
The Kaduna State Red Cross said improved coordination among emergency responders in 2025 helped prevent loss of life, with affected residents rescued, sheltered and provided with food and medical care.
However, the organisation also supported calls for permanent relocation and dredging of the river to end the recurring crisis.
Nationally, NEMA data show that as of November 4, 2025, flooding had affected more than 433,000 people across 27 states, displacing nearly 145,000 and claiming 241 lives.
In Kaduna State alone, over 24,000 people were affected and more than 1,200 displaced, underscoring the need for long-term flood mitigation measures.
Source: The Punch
