A total of 68 people have lost their lives to devastating floods in Kano and Jigawa states since heavy rains began in July. The floods, which have caused widespread destruction, have also displaced thousands of residents, destroyed homes, and ruined vast stretches of farmland in the affected areas.
Giving a breakdown of the casualties, the Executive Secretary of the Kano State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Isyaku Kubarachi, confirmed that 31 people have died in Kano. Meanwhile, the Executive Secretary of the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency, Dr. Haruna Mairiga, reported that the death toll in Jigawa has risen to 37.
Impact in Kano
Speaking to newsmen in Kano, Kubarachi explained that the flood has affected 156 communities across 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state. In addition to the fatalities, the disaster has left 135 people injured and destroyed 5,280 homes, displacing 313 people and affecting 31,818 individuals overall.
“Between July 11th and yesterday, we received reports of flooding, and we are still receiving more. So far, 31,818 people have been affected, and 5,280 houses destroyed by the flood. The disaster has also damaged 2,518 farmlands, covering 976 hectares of land. Sadly, 31 lives were lost, and 135 people sustained injuries,” Kubarachi said.
He attributed the disaster to heavy downpours, noting that many of the affected homes were mud houses built in flood-prone areas. “Most of the houses were constructed along waterways, and people were caught off guard when the structures collapsed unexpectedly,” he explained.
Although the flood was initially predicted to affect only 14 LGAs, it has now impacted 21, including Tudun Wada, Wudil, Ajingi, Gwale, Nassarawa, Dala, Tarauni, Dawakin-Tofa, Dambatta, and Gwarzo.
Kubarachi assured that the state government is working to provide aid to all 21 affected local government areas. “Currently, the displaced are staying with neighbors and relatives, and we hope to offer additional support soon,” he added.
Jigawa’s Toll
In Jigawa, Dr. Haruna Mairiga reported that the flooding has so far displaced 15,000 people and washed away 12,000 hectares of farmland. The flood has affected 17 out of the 27 LGAs in the state.
“We started experiencing flooding in July, and we are not even halfway through the rainy season. So far, flooding has hit 17 LGAs. Tragically, 37 lives have been lost, 15,000 people displaced, and they are currently taking refuge in schools, where the government has provided them with bedding and blankets,” Mairiga stated.
He also confirmed that 12,000 hectares of cultivated farmlands, which were close to harvest, have been completely destroyed.
Both states are currently working to provide relief to the victims, with ongoing efforts to manage the displacement crisis and minimize further damage as the rains continue.
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