News

See the Number Floods Claim their Lives as 3936 Households were Displaced in Jigawa State

Published by Tope Fakinlede on August 14th, 2024.

See the Number Floods Claim their Lives as 3936 Households were Displaced in Jigawa State

Flooding in Jigawa State has claimed the lives of at least 16 people and displaced over 3,000 households across 10 local government areas. The devastating floods also destroyed 2,744 hectares of farmland, severely impacting agricultural activities and the livelihoods of many residents.

Haruna Mariga, the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), reported on Wednesday that the majority of the fatalities resulted from building collapses, particularly in mud houses, and boating accidents caused by the floods.

Mariga highlighted the significant toll the floods have taken on local farmers, who are now grappling with the loss of their crops and farmland. He expressed concern that the situation could worsen as the rainy season progresses, potentially causing more damage to homes, livestock, and farmlands.

In total, 3,936 households have been affected by the flooding, with 3,834 people displaced. The floods also washed away 2,744 hectares of agricultural land, exacerbating the challenges faced by the community.

Mariga noted that the deaths were primarily caused by incidents such as overloaded canoes, building collapses, and drowning. He emphasized the need for continued efforts to mitigate the impact of the floods as the situation remains dire.

The Jigawa State government had previously established a flood assessment committee nearly a year ago. The committee has since provided recommendations to help reduce the impact of future floods. The state government is currently implementing these recommendations, which include dredging nearby rivers and clearing vegetation from waterways to improve water flow and prevent futur

e flooding.