Kano says 49 persons die as flood ravages 27 LGAs

The Kano State Emergency Management Agency has confirmed the death of 49 persons by flood and windstorm in 27 local government areas of the state from January 2024 to date.

It added that no fewer than 226 communities were affected by the disaster in the affected local government areas of the state.

The Executive Secretary of the Agency, Alhaji Isyaku Kubarachi, made the disclosure Wednesday.

He recalled that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) had predicted a high risk of flooding in 14 local government areas of the state.

He listed the affected local government areas as Tudun Wada, Gwale, Wudil, Danbatta, Ajingi, Dala, Gwarzo, Madobi, Bichi, Kano Municipal, Karaye, Tarauni, Minjibir, Bebeji, Rogo, Shanono, Kabo, Garin Malam and Ungogo.

He said others are Kumbotso, Nasarawa, Kura, Dawakin Kudu, Dawakin Tofa,Gezawa, Rogo and Bagwai Local Government areas.

He noted that the flood destroyed 6,583 houses while 38, 814 persons were affected.

“Eight Thousand Two Hundred and Eighty Nine farmlands equivalent to ‘36,265 hectares’ were destroyed, 1, 414 persons were displaced and 139 persons were injured,” Kubarachi added.

According to him, the agency has visited the affected local government areas on behalf of Kano State Government and distributed relief materials to alleviate sufferings.

“The agency in collaboration with relevant stakeholders organised several workshops to proffer ways of curtailing environmental hazards especially flood.

He commended Gov. Abba Kabir 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 the drainage system in front of their houses to prevent flooding.

He also called on wealthy individuals and corporate organizations to complement the agency’s efforts by supporting flood victims with relief material.