Kano State Government has reassured the residents of its commitment to tackling urban flooding through sustainable measures to safeguard lives and property.

The Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahiru Hashim, stated this in a statement on Friday in Kano, following Thursday’s heavy rainfall that resulted in flooding across parts of the metropolis.

He explained that the heavy downpour, which lasted for over three hours in many locations, was unusual in both its intensity and duration.

According to him, rising global temperatures had increased atmospheric moisture, resulting in prolonged and heavy rainfall that overwhelmed drainage systems in the state capital.

SolaceBase reports that Dr. Hashim noted that the problem was further compounded by rapid urban expansion, inadequate drainage, and clogged waterways, which reduced natural water absorption and worsened the effects of the rainfall.

“This phenomenon is not unique to Kano. Similar incidents have been recorded in Lagos, Calabar, Abuja, as well as in cities across Europe, the United States, and Asia.

“It underscores the global dimension of the climate crisis and the urgent need for cities to adapt to new realities,” the statement read in part.

The commissioner reassured residents that the government had already taken several steps to mitigate the risks of urban flooding.

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These include the desilting of major drains at the start of the rainy season, supporting community groups with tools to clear minor drainage systems, strengthening waste management to prevent blockages, and restoring natural buffers such as trees along major roads.

He further disclosed that a major drainage channel is under construction at Babangwari roundabout, designed to safely convey more than half of the city’s runoff.

For long-term resilience, the Ministry will propose in the 2026 budget the development of a new drainage master plan for the Kano metropolis.

While stressing that government efforts alone would not be sufficient, Dr. Hashim called on residents to cooperate by disposing of waste properly and refraining from building on waterways, warning that such practices endanger lives and property.

He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to protecting lives and properties in Kano against flooding and other climate-related risks.