Severe flooding in Kano State has resulted in the tragic loss of at least 31 lives and the destruction of 5,280 homes across 21 local government areas. According to Isyaku Kubarachi, Executive Secretary of the Kano State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the catastrophic floods have affected 31,818 individuals and severely damaged 2,518 farmlands, which span 976 hectares.
The floods were caused by an intense and prolonged period of heavy rainfall that overwhelmed the region’s infrastructure. Many of the impacted homes were constructed from mud and situated along flood-prone waterways. These structures, unable to withstand the powerful floodwaters, collapsed, leading to substantial damage and loss.
Initially, the floods were expected to affect 14 local government areas. However, their impact has expanded to 21 areas, including key locations such as Wudil, Gwale, Nassarawa, Dala, Tarauni, Dawakin-Tofa, and Dambatta. The extent of the flooding has exceeded initial projections, causing widespread devastation and disrupting daily life across the region.
In response to the crisis, SEMA has proposed a detailed relief plan to the state government. This plan seeks to address the immediate needs of those affected, including the provision of essential supplies, temporary shelter, and medical assistance. The state government is actively working to mobilize resources and coordinate aid efforts, with a focus on delivering support to the most severely impacted areas. Currently, many displaced individuals are taking refuge with friends and family, while waiting for more organized relief efforts to reach them.
The situation remains critical, with ongoing efforts required to manage both the immediate aftermath of the floods and the long-term recovery process. The combined response of government agencies and humanitarian organizations will be crucial in helping the affected communities rebuild and recover from this devastating event.
