Flooding in Jigawa Claims 16 Lives and Displaces Thousands
Severe flooding in Jigawa State has resulted in the deaths of 16 individuals and displaced nearly 4,000 households across ten local government areas. According to Haruna Mariga, the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the recent disaster has had a devastating impact on the region.
In a briefing to reporters on Wednesday, Mariga revealed that the floods have not only caused significant loss of life but have also led to the destruction of 2,744 hectares of agricultural land. The overwhelming deluge has displaced 3,936 households, with 3,834 people forced to leave their homes.
Mariga detailed the causes of the fatalities, noting that most of the deaths were attributed to the collapse of buildings—primarily mud houses—as well as accidents involving overloaded boats. He highlighted the severe consequences for local agriculture, with extensive damage to farmlands and crops, leaving many farmers grappling with substantial losses.
“The number of households affected by the flooding totals 3,936, with 3,834 individuals displaced. The floods have washed away 2,744 hectares of land, and the total number of fatalities reported as of Wednesday stands at 16,” Mariga said. He further explained that the causes of these fatalities included canoe overloading, building collapses, and drownings.
As the rainy season progresses, Mariga expressed concern that the situation could deteriorate further, exacerbating the impact on affected families, livestock, and agricultural practices. The state government is actively addressing the crisis, working on recommendations from a flood assessment committee established nearly a year ago. These measures include dredging local rivers and clearing vegetation from waterways to facilitate better water flow and mitigate future flood risks.
The ongoing efforts by the Jigawa State government aim to alleviate the immediate impacts of the flooding while laying the groundwork for long-term solutions to prevent and manage future disasters.