Flooding has severely impacted at least 12 of the 27 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Jigawa State during the ongoing 2024 rainy season, raising significant concerns among residents and officials. The state government fears a recurrence of the devastating floods that affected over 90 percent of the state in 2020.
In a statement released on August 16, 2024, Dr. Haruna Mairiga, Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), called for urgent assistance from the Federal Government, donor organizations, and philanthropists to prevent further disaster in the affected LGAs.
Dr. Mairiga highlighted the need for proactive measures in light of the current flood incidents, which have resulted in 16 fatalities from a boat accident and substantial damage to agricultural lands and residential properties. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
“Since late July 2024, as predicted by NIMET, NIHSA, and NEMA, we have been facing floods in various parts of the state,” Mairiga said. “Many people have been displaced from their homes, and the situation is expected to worsen as we approach the peak of the rainy season.”
The affected LGAs include Buji, Kafin Hausa, Auyo, Hadejia, Birniwa, Malam Madori, Garki, Taura, Gwaram, and Dutse. Mairiga expressed concern over the potential for further flooding and urged for immediate humanitarian support to assist displaced persons with essential items and aid in their rehabilitation once the waters recede.
Governor Umar Namadi’s administration is actively working to support the affected communities, including distributing relief items such as foodstuffs, rubber mats, blankets, mosquito nets, and cash. However, additional resources and support are urgently needed to manage the crisis effectively and mitigate the impact of the floods.
News Editor