The Kano State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has confirmed that floods and windstorms across 27 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state have claimed 49 lives and devastated 226 communities between January 2024 and September.
SEMA’s Executive Secretary, Isyaku Abdullahi-Kubarachi, made this disclosure while briefing journalists on Wednesday evening in Kano. He recalled that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had earlier predicted a high risk of flooding in 14 local government areas of the state.
Areas Affected by the Flooding
The flooding impacted a wide range of LGAs, including Tudun Wada, Gwale, Wudil, Danbatta, Ajingi, Dala, Gwarzo, Madobi, Bichi, Kano Municipal, Karaye, Tarauni, Minjibir, Bebeji, Rogo, Shanono, Kabo, Garin Malam, and Ungogo. Other affected areas are Kumbotso, Nasarawa, Kura, Dawakin Kudu, Dawakin Tofa, Gezawa, and Bagwai.
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Scale of Destruction
According to Abdullahi-Kubarachi, the floods and windstorms destroyed 6,583 houses, affecting a total of 38,814 people. The damage also extended to farmlands, with 8,289 farms covering 36,265 hectares being wiped out. In addition, 1,414 residents were displaced, and 139 sustained injuries.
Government Response and Relief Efforts
SEMA has taken prompt action to alleviate the suffering of the affected communities. Abdullahi-Kubarachi confirmed that the agency, on behalf of the Kano State Government, visited the devastated areas to sympathize with victims and distributed relief materials to provide immediate support.
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The agency, in collaboration with stakeholders, has also organized several workshops aimed at finding long-term solutions to prevent future environmental hazards, especially flooding. Abdullahi-Kubarachi praised Governor Abba Yusuf for providing logistics and other necessary assistance to ease the burden on flood victims.
Preventive Measures and Warnings
In his statement, the Executive Secretary cautioned residents against building on waterways and urged them to clear drainage systems in front of their homes to reduce the risk of future flooding. He also called on wealthy individuals in the state to support the agency’s efforts by providing relief materials to flood victims.
Abdullahi-Kubarachi reassured the public that SEMA would continue working diligently to protect lives and property, emphasizing the importance of preparedness to prevent further loss in the future.
