The Governor of Jigawa, Umar Namadi, has emphasised that addressing the urgent needs of flood victims in Jigawa is the government’s top priority.
In an interview with ARISE NEWS on Friday, Namadi outlined the severe impact of the recent flooding that has claimed 33 lives and displaced over 40,000 residents.
The floods have affected more than 135 communities across 15 local government areas (LGAs), destroying around 7,000 homes and leaving thousands without basic necessities.
“We have over 135 communities affected, approximately 7,000 houses completely destroyed, and 44,000 people displaced. Around 14,000 are currently in IDP camps. We have also lost about 11,000 farmlands. This situation is devastating because we did not anticipate the flooding would reach this magnitude,” Namadi said.
He explained that the floods were caused by an unusual amount of rainfall, rather than the expected river overflow. “What is happening now is rainwater, not even river water. We are working hard to help our people out of this problem,” he stated.
Emergency rescue operations are underway to relocate residents from destroyed homes to safer locations. “The emergency rescue operations are focused on moving people from areas where their houses are being demolished to safer places,” Namadi added.
The governor expressed gratitude for the federal government’s support, acknowledging the ongoing relief efforts. “The president has sympathised with us, and we have received relief and assistance from the federal government. The devastation is severe. The 7,000 houses that have been completely destroyed cannot be rebuilt instantly. Our immediate priority is to relocate people to safer places. Their most critical needs now are shelter, food, medication, and clean water, which we have provided.”
Looking ahead, Namadi highlighted the need for comprehensive measures to prevent similar disasters. “This flooding was a surprise to us because previous floods were from river overflow, but this time it came from rainfall. We need to revisit our approach. We must critically assess town planning and conduct complete environmental impact assessments for all projects to mitigate future impacts.”
To prevent waterborne diseases, the state government has prioritised the provision of clean water in all IDP camps. “We have ensured clean water is provided in every camp to prevent contamination and help people avoid waterborne diseases,” Namadi noted.
The floods have also damaged roads, bridges, and hospitals, prompting plans for reconstruction. “For the schools, we are seeking alternatives until they resume. We have introduced a radio program to keep students up-to-date with their lessons. We hope to return some people to their communities before schools resume,” the governor said.
Acknowledging the challenges of resettling affected populations, Namadi admitted, “Rebuilding houses is just one part of the solution. We need a thorough study to prevent similar occurrences in the future. This will require expert advice, town planners, surveyors, and other professionals, making it difficult to estimate the cost.”
Despite these challenges, Governor Namadi reassured that the government remains committed to alleviating the suffering of flood victims. “As a government, we are doing our best to reduce the impact of their suffering and maintain stability,” he concluded.
NANCY MBAMALU
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