49 dead, 226 communities destroyed in Kano flood

The Kano State Emergency Management Agency has confirmed that 49 people have been killed and 226 communities devastated by floods and windstorms across 27 Local Government Areas of the state from January 2024 to date.

The Executive Secretary of SEMA, Isyaku Abdullahi-Kubarachi, made this disclosure on Wednesday evening while briefing journalists in Kano.

He recalled that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency had earlier predicted a high risk of flooding in 14 local government areas of the state.

The affected areas include Tudun Wada, Gwale, Wudil, Danbatta, Ajingi, Dala, Gwarzo, Madobi, Bichi, Kano Municipal, Karaye, Tarauni, Minjibir, Bebeji, Rogo, Shanono, Kabo, Garin Malam, and Ungogo.

Others are Kumbotso, Nasarawa, Kura, Dawakin Kudu, Dawakin Tofa, Gezawa, Rogo, and Bagwai Local Government Areas.

Abdullahi-Kubarachi noted that the floods destroyed 6,583 houses, affecting 38,814 people.

“A total of 8,289 farmlands, equivalent to 36,265 hectares, were destroyed, while 1,414 people were displaced and 139 were injured,” the SEMA chief said.

He added that the agency had promptly responded by visiting the affected areas to sympathise with the victims on behalf of the Kano State Government and distributing relief materials to alleviate their suffering.

“SEMA, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, organised several workshops to provide solutions for preventing environmental hazards, especially flooding.”

He praised Governor Abba Yusuf for providing logistics and other necessary assistance to ease the suffering of the victims.

The Executive Secretary also warned against building on waterways and urged residents to clear the drainages in front of their homes to prevent flooding.

He called on wealthy individuals to complement the agency’s efforts by supporting flood victims with relief materials.

Additionally, he assured the public that the agency would continue its efforts to ensure the protection of lives and property.