Death toll rises to 30 in Jigawa flood as 9,366 displaced

No fewer than 30 people have been killed and 9,366 others displaced by severe flooding in Jigawa State.

The floods have also ravaged 7,379 hectares of land and affected 4,699 houses.

This year’s disaster has been attributed to heavy rainfall, which has severely impacted 90 communities across the state.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) had forecasted severe flooding in 18 local government areas of Jigawa state, and this prediction has unfortunately come to pass.

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Dr Haruna Mairiga, Executive Secretary of the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (JSEMA), reported that the state government is providing aid to those affected. The aid includes thousands of bags of rice, maize, millet, gari, and medical supplies for the internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Dr Mairiga noted that two children have died and several others are suffering from diarrhoea at IDP camps in Yanduna Primary School, Miga LGA, and Ayo LGA.

He confirmed that local government emergency committees were working tirelessly to assist the victims.

Azumi Garba Tsakuwawa, a resident taking shelter at Tsakuwawa Junior Secondary School, lamented that they had gone three days without adequate food until government aid arrived.

Azumi reported that their children have fallen ill with fever and other diseases.

She expressed gratitude to the state government for its prompt response and urged officials to ensure that aid reaches those in need.

Aisha Yakubu Tsakuwawa, also at Tsakuwawa Junior Secondary School, described the disaster as an unavoidable disaster but thanked the state government for its quick response and support.

She lamented the loss of all her and her children’s belongings to the flood.

Mas’uda Nasiru Tsakuwawa reported that the flood had washed away all their properties and thanked the state governor for the palliative provided.

Idi Inuwa from Unguwar Arewa Tsakuwawa said the flood began at his house and destroyed all his belongings. He called on the government for further assistance.

Daily Trust’s correspondent observed that the state emergency management agency is operating round the clock to assess the situation and coordinate emergency responses.