According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), 225 communities have been ravaged by flood following a heavy rainfall which lasted for a very long time, across 31 Local Government Areas in Kano and Jigawa States from July to date.
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| Flood devastates communities in Kano, Jigawa. Photo: Sodiq Adelakun/AFP via Getty Images via TheConversation |
This was made open on Saturday by NEMA Territorial Coordinator, Kano/Jigawa Territorial Office, Dr Nuradeen Abdullahi.
Dr. Abdullahi said on August 16, the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet), predicted abnormal rainfall in 19 states between the months of August and September encompassing Kano, Jigawa, as well as urged the states affected to heighten mitigation, adaptation and response mechanisms.
The LGAs affected by the flood in Kano are: Tudun Wada, Doguwa, Kibiya, Kiru, Gwale, Danbatta, Bagwai, Ajingi, Albasu, Shanono, Tsanyawa, Rimin Gado and Dawakin Kudu.
The LGAs affected by the flood in Jigawa are: Kafin hausa, Malam madori, Hadejia, Guri, Auyo, Birniwa, Jahun, Miga, Kiyawa, Birnin Kudu, Kaugama, Babura, Gwaram, Dutse and Kirikasamma.
According to Dr. Abdullahi, the flood wreaked serious havoc – damaged a lot of houses, farmlands, livestock, infrastructure, as well as left several persons displaced.
He said: “I urge authorities and relevant stakeholders to shift from a more reactive to the proactive role and map out clearer emergency preparedness plan.”
He urged the state government to carry out serious awareness campaigns for swift response activities particularly in high-risk areas to lessen the occurrence of more disaster. Also extended some advice to residents to be obedient to warnings, remove obstacles from drains and canals to allow fee movement of water.
