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The Kano State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has reported that 49 persons have been killed and 226 communities have been affected by flood and windstorm in 27 local government areas of the state since January 2024.
Executive Secretary of SEMA, Alhaji Isyaku Abdullahi-Kubarachi, disclosed this on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, while briefing newsmen in Kano, the state capital.
He recalled that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had earlier predicted high risk of flooding in 14 local government areas of the state.
He said the affected areas included Tudun Wada, Gwale, Wudil, Danbatta, Ajingi, Dala, Gwarzo, Madobi, Bichi, Kano Municipal, Karaye, Tarauni, Minjibir, Bebeji, Rogo, Shanono, Kabo, Garin Malam and Ungogo.
According to him, others are Kumbotso, Nasarawa, Kura, Dawakin Kudu, Dawakin Tofa, Gezawa, Rogo and Bagwai LGAs.
He noted that the flood destroyed 6,583 houses while 38, 814 persons were affected.
“8,289 farmlands equivalent to ‘36,265 hectares’ were destroyed, 1, 414 persons were displaced, and 139 persons were injured,” SEMA boss said
According to him, the agency has taken prompt response by visiting the affected local government areas to sympathise with the victims on behalf of Kano State Government and distributed relief materials to alleviate their sufferings.
“SEMA in collaboration with relevant stakeholders organised several workshops to proffer ways of curtailing environmental hazards especially flood,” he stated.
He commended Governor Abba Yusuf for providing logistics and other necessary assistance to alleviate the suffering of the victims.
The executive secretary, who warned against building on waterways, urged residents in the state to always clear drainage system in front of their houses to prevent flood.
He called on wealthy individuals to complement the agency’s efforts by supporting flood victims with relief materials.
According to him, the agency will not relent in its efforts to ensure the protection of lives and property.
