From Mu’awiyya Bala Idris, Katsina
In a decisive move to safeguard lives and livelihoods, the Katsina State Bureau of Statistics, in collaboration with the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has successfully concluded a three-day stakeholders’ workshop focused on strengthening preparedness against cholera outbreaks and flooding during the annual rainy season.
The workshop, held in Kano, brought together traditional rulers, religious leaders, representatives of various government agencies, and members of Local Government Area Emergency Management Committees. Participants discussed proactive strategies to mitigate the impacts of seasonal disasters.
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Speaking at the event, Katsina State Statistician General, Professor Saifullahi Ibrahim, emphasized the importance of early action. “The state must adopt measures rather than waiting for the disaster to occur,” he stated. Professor Ibrahim referenced the 2026 seasonal outlook by the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), which identified several Katsina Local Government Councils as high-risk areas due to expected heavy rainfall and river discharge patterns.
He further revealed findings from the State Bureau’s 2026 WASH Survey, noting that 38 percent of rural households still rely on unprotected wells and surface water sources, heightening their vulnerability to cholera following floods. “Historical records from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and the State Ministry of Health show that cholera cases in Katsina typically spike between two and four weeks after major flood events,” Professor Ibrahim added.
The Statistician General announced that the State Bureau will produce a 2026 Flood and Cholera Vulnerability Atlas before the peak rainfall period. This will be accompanied by a cross-sectoral early warning dashboard and post-season impact assessment. “If we get the planning right now, we will save lives, farms, and public funds,” he declared.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Emergency Management Agency, Binta Dangani, described flooding as a recurring disaster that affects lives and infrastructure every rainy season. She highlighted that the workshop’s expected outcome is the development of a comprehensive strategy and preparedness plan to enhance the state’s capacity to prepare for, mitigate, and respond effectively to flood emergencies.
The collaborative effort underscores Katsina State’s commitment to evidence-based planning and multi-stakeholder engagement in building resilience against climate-related health and environmental challenges.
