Jigawa calls for FG, philanthropists’ support as floods continues ravaging the state

Saturday, August 17, 2024 -The Jigawa State Government has called on the Federal Government to come to the aid of flood victims in the state as no fewer than 3,834 persons have been displaced by the disaster.

The Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, Dr. Haruna Mairiga, made the call in Dutse, the state capital on Friday while speaking to newsmen on the update on the flood which ravaged 12 local governments.

He said the call was necessary in order to ameliorate the sufferings and hardship being experienced by the numerous communities in the 12 affected local government areas.

“As Iam talking to you now a total of 3, 834 persons have been displaced from their houses and no fewer than 2,744 hectares of farmlands have been washed away by the flood across the 12 affected LGAs.

“We are appealing to the Federal Government, philanthropists as well as donor agencies to assist the victims,” he said.

He pointed out that from August 1 to 13, 2024, the state has witnessed intermittent rainfall leading to several incidences of flood and death of more than 16 persons and the destruction of farmlands and houses.

Mairiga noted that the affected local government areas, include: Buji, Kafin Hausa, Auyo, Hadejia, Birniwa, Malam madori, Garki, Taura, Gwaram, Dutse, Kiyawa and Jahun.

He said the state government under the leadership of Governor Umar Namadi is doing a lot to protect and sustain the livelihood of the citizens, but then, when disaster comes all hands, must be on deck to support the government efforts.

“It is pertinent that we should start soliciting urgent humanitarian support to assist the internally displaced persons with either food or non-food items to be able to support the victims during the trying time and to rehabilitate them back to their houses when the flood draws back,” he said.

Mairiga revealed that the agency has supported the affected communities with palliative items as an Interim measure pending the arrival of the Federal Government’s assistance.

He added that the items donated comprised foodstuffs, rubber mats, blankets, mosquito nets and money among others.

Also speaking, the chairman of Kiyaye Local Government Area, Mansur Musa, said many villages and local government secretariat have been submerged by water.

According to him, most of the people affected by the flood have been resettled in some primary and secondary schools in the area.