The Kano State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has confirmed that 49 persons were killed and 226 communities affected by floods and windstorms in 27 local government areas of the state from January 2024 to date. 

The executive secretary of SEMA, Isyaku Abdullahi-Kubarachi, disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing journalists in Kano. 

He recalled that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) had earlier predicted a 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 Local Government Areas.

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,” the SEMA boss said. 

According to him, the agency has taken a rapid response by visiting the affected local government areas to sympathise with the victims on behalf of the Kano state government and distributing relief materials to alleviate their suffering.

“SEMA, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, organized several workshops to proffer ways of curtailing environmental hazards, especially flooding.” 

He commended Gov. 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 of the state to always clear drainage systems in front of their houses to prevent flooding. 

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. 

(NAN)