Fears As Flood Submerges 12 LGAs In Jigawa

At least 12 out of the 27 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Jigawa State have been affected seriously by flooding during the ongoing 2024 rainy season.

The development has raised the eyebrows of residents as Jigawa State Government expresses its fear regarding the potential recurrence of the devastating flooding that impacted more than 90 per cent of the state in 2020.

In a statement obtained by Naija News on Friday, the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Dr. Haruna Mairiga, has urgently requested assistance from the Federal Government, donor organizations, and philanthropists to avert further flooding that could devastate numerous communities within these 12 local government areas.

Mairiga underscored the necessity of taking proactive measures in light of the current flood events in various parts of the state, to prevent a disaster akin to that of 2020, which severely impacted over 90 per cent of the region.

He reported that from August 1 to August 13, 2024, the state experienced multiple flooding incidents, resulting in the tragic loss of 16 lives due to a boat accident, as well as significant damage to agricultural lands and residential properties, with the full scope of the destruction still under evaluation.

“As predicted by NIMET, NIHSA, and NEMA, we have been experiencing flood incidents in various parts of the state since late July 2024, resulting in the loss of lives and property. Several people have been displaced from their homes,” the government official said.

Mairiga further noted that the affected local government areas include Buji, Kafin Hausa, Auyo, Hadejia, Birniwa, Malam Madori, Garki, Taura, Gwaram, and Dutse.

He said: “The alarming thing is that this is happening as we reach the peak of the rainy season. Only Allah knows what these areas and others like them will face in the coming days.”

According to Mairiga, Governor Umar Namadi’s led government is actively engaged in efforts to safeguard and preserve the livelihoods of its populace.

Nonetheless, in the event of a disaster, it is imperative that all resources be mobilized to bolster the government’s initiatives.

“It is crucial that we start soliciting urgent humanitarian support to assist internally displaced persons with either food or non-food items, to help them during this trying time and to rehabilitate them back to their homes when the floodwaters recede,” he added.

The Executive Secretary disclosed that the Agency has distributed essential relief items to the impacted communities, encompassing Kagarko, Garki, Gantsa, Bulungu, Gwadayi, Taura, and Nahuce.

He further elaborated that the donated items ranged from foodstuffs to rubber mats, blankets, mosquito nets, and cash, among other critical necessities.