Jigawa State has been hit by a terrible flood that has caused 3,834 individuals to be displaced from ten local government units (LGAs) and 16 fatalities.
Following days of nonstop rain, the flood destroyed large areas of agriculture, inundated entire settlements, and left thousands homeless.
The dire numbers were confirmed by Haruna Mairiga, the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), on Wednesday in Dutse, the state capital, at a news briefing.
He disclosed that approximately 3,936 homes were destroyed, and a total of 2,744 hectares of farmland were washed away by the floods.
Mairiga said “This is one of the most severe floods we have experienced in recent years. The damage is extensive, and our hearts go out to the families who have lost loved ones and those who have been displaced from their homes,”.
Many of the displaced have sought refuge in public school buildings, where they face overcrowded and uncomfortable conditions.
Not only has the flood damaged houses and farms, but it has also interfered with essential infrastructure. The main route that connects the northeast and the northwest states has been severed, posing serious traffic problems and impairing business operations.
Abba Baba, Assistant Zonal Coordinator of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), acknowledged the disruption and promised that a temporary solution would be put in place to ensure the continuity of economic activities in the region.
“We are working around the clock to restore access and provide relief to the affected communities. The government is committed to ensuring that help reaches those in need as quickly as possible,” Baba said.
In the wake of the disaster, the state government has urged residents to remain vigilant and adhere to safety guidelines to avoid further casualties. Authorities have also assured the public that support will be provided to help affected families recover and rebuild their lives
