Group unveils flood situation report in Jigawa

A group under the aegis, Rescue Jigawa Initiative, has presented a situation report on the current flood situation in Jigawa State.

Jigawa is one of the states worst hit by flooding this year.

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According to the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), at least 57,000 people have been affected so far, adding that over 100,000 persons have been forced out of their homes.

Some of the victims are now living within the 49 camps established by the state government to provide shelter for displaced people.

The state government also recently revealed that about 135 people died, while over N1.5 trillion have been lost to the reoccurring floods in the state. The authorities in the state estimated that $ 25 billion might be needed to resettle victims, rebuild homes, and compensate those whose farmlands were destroyed.

Presenting the situation report on behalf of the group, Dr Najeeb G. Abdulhamid said the situation report aims to provide the necessary information for government agencies, communities and other stakeholders about the floods and victims.

He said, “This SitRep aims to provide aid agencies, emergency management organisations, disaster-affected communities, philanthropists, and all stakeholders with actionable information to assist flood victims in surviving, sustaining, and reuniting.

“Even though it is still a work in progress, the Sitrep contains valuable information about the flood disaster, including emergency numbers from government agencies, civil society organisations, and individuals on the frontlines.

“Additionally, we provide contact details and social media handles of NGOs and individuals. The rationale is to know who is doing what and where (W3) so emergency management organisations, philanthropists, and other concerned public members can reach out to them for collaboration and coordination.

“The SitRep also aggregates stories from media houses about the flood, directions to cities and towns for travellers coming to Jigawa, and a list of accessible roads. Furthermore, it contains a list of displaced communities and shelters where these internally displaced persons (IDPs) are currently taking refuge and a list of urgent needs for these IDPs.

“Likewise, the report captures the names of damaged bridges and roads and curates videos and images our citizen reporters share.”