Floods, Windstorms Kill 49 In 226 Kano Communities — SEMA

The Kano State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has confirmed that 49 people have been killed and 226 communities impacted by devastating floods and windstorms across 27 local government areas in the state from January 2024 till date.

SEMA’s Executive Secretary, Isyaku Abdullahi-Kubarachi, made the disclosure on Wednesday during a press briefing in Kano.

He highlighted that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) had earlier predicted a high risk of flooding in 14 LGAs, lamenting however, that the disaster extended to more areas.

He listed the affected areas to 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.

“The flood destroyed 6,583 houses and affected 38,814 people across the state. Additionally, 8,289 farmlands, covering 36,265 hectares, were ruined. The disaster displaced 1,414 people, left 139 injured, and claimed 49 lives,” Abdullahi-Kubarachi said.

In response to the crisis, SEMA, in collaboration with relevant agencies, distributed relief materials to alleviate the suffering of those impacted.

The agency also organised workshops aimed at preventing environmental hazards like flooding in the future.

Abdullahi-Kubarachi expressed gratitude to Governor Abba Yusuf for his support in providing logistics and other resources to aid the disaster response.

He warned residents against building on waterways and urged them to keep the drainage systems clear to reduce the risk of flooding.