Kano State said on Friday it will step up measures to curb urban flooding after heavy rains submerged parts of the city, blaming climate change for worsening downpours.
Environment and Climate Change Commissioner Dahiru Hashim said Thursday’s rainfall, which lasted more than three hours, was unusually intense and highlighted the city’s vulnerability.
“The incident is one of the consequences of climate change linked to rising global temperatures,” Hashim said in a statement.
He said the government had cleared major drains at the start of the rainy season and supported community groups in desilting smaller channels. Waste management and tree planting initiatives were also underway, he added.
A large drainage project at Babangwari roundabout is under construction to carry runoff from more than half of the city. The state will also propose a new drainage master plan in its 2026 budget.
Hashim urged residents to dispose of waste properly and avoid building on waterways, saying such practices worsened flooding risks.
He said the government remained committed to building resilience against climate-related hazards.