Recent reports reveal that floods in Kano and Jigawa states have resulted in the deaths of at least 68 individuals since the onset of heavy rainfall in July. The devastating impact of the floods has also led to significant property damage and displacement of residents in both states.
In Kano State, the Executive Secretary of the Kano State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Isyaku Kubarachi, reported that 31 lives have been lost due to the flooding. The floods have affected approximately 156 communities across 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs), leaving 135 people injured. The disaster has also resulted in the destruction of 5,280 houses, impacting 31,818 individuals, and displacing 313 people. Kubarachi noted that the floods have damaged 2,518 farmlands covering 976 hectares.
Kubarachi described the situation, saying, “Between July 11th and yesterday, we received ongoing reports of flooding. The disaster has severely affected mud houses situated along waterways, which were particularly vulnerable to collapse. The flood, initially predicted to impact 14 LGAs, has now affected 21, including Tudun Wada, Wudil, Ajingi, and others.”
Efforts are underway to provide aid to all 21 affected LGAs, with many displaced residents currently staying with neighbors and relatives, according to Kubarachi.
In Jigawa State, the Executive Secretary of the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency, Dr. Haruna Mairiga, reported a higher death toll of 37. The floods have displaced 15,000 people, with 12,000 hectares of cultivated farmlands destroyed. The disaster has affected 17 out of the 27 LGAs in the state.
Dr. Mairiga highlighted the severity of the situation, stating, “The floods began in July and have continued to impact the state heavily. With 37 confirmed deaths, 15,000 displaced individuals are currently taking refuge in schools where the government has provided bedding and blankets. The destruction of 12,000 hectares of farmlands is particularly concerning, as these lands were awaiting harvest.”
Both states are grappling with the aftermath of the floods, working to address the immediate needs of affected residents and repair the damage caused by the disaster.
