Malam Ali Mainasara couldn’t sleep for the past three days, as he was moving in between his village and the neighbouring towns to check the well-being of his people. He was not only worried about the flood, occasioned by the midnight downpour, his concern was how the people could rebuild their houses amidst more predictions of another flood in the region.
The village head of Kargo, Mainasara told Agro Climate News that hundreds of residents are now seeking shelter in schools, with several others injured, as a result of the flood which came at an unusual time.
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“Even though we did embankment that surrounded our village, we still experienced the flood every year. This time around, it came as unexpected, because we never thought it would come at that moment. It is earlier than it used to be. This is an indication of a serious problem,” the village head speaks in worry.
Agro Climate News reports that the devastating flood has ravaged Kargo village in Garki local government area of Jigawa state, leaving a trail of destruction and displacement in its wake. The flood, which occurred on Saturday midnight, affected over 100 houses, destroying properties worth millions of naira.
Residents of the village were caught off guard by the heavy rain, which caused floodwater to contaminate water sources and destroy homes. Many residents were forced to seek shelter at nearby hospitals and schools, while others remained stranded in their homes, awaiting assistance.
Speaking further, the village head, described the situation as dire, saying that many residents had lost their livelihoods and properties. “The properties that were lost cannot be overemphasized,” he said. “Many houses collapsed, and some residents were then trapped in their homes.”
On the other hand, the flood has also raised concerns about the potential outbreak of waterborne diseases, as the floodwater has contaminated water sources and surrounded boreholes. Residents have been advised to avoid drinking from contaminated sources and to seek medical attention immediately if they experience any symptoms.
The Jigawa state government has been called upon to provide immediate assistance to the affected residents, including food, shelter, and medical attention. The government has also been urged to take measures to prevent future occurrences of such flooding, including the construction of drainage systems and embankments.
The incident has left many residents in a state of despair, with many calling for urgent assistance to alleviate their suffering. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the crisis.
The executive secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Dr. Haruna Mairiga, visited the village to assess the damage. He promised that the government would provide necessary assistance to the affected residents and ordered his team to facilitate the construction of an embankment and emergency drainage to divert water in case of future flooding.
