Flood kills 26 people, destroys 1,000 houses in Kano-SEMA

The agency revealed to the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday.

State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Kano state chapter, has revealed that flood killed 26 people and destroyed over 1,000 houses in the state from April till date.

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Dr Saleh Jili, the executive Secretary of Kano SEMA revealed this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano.

According to him, 50 people also sustained injuries due to the flood and strong windstorm aside from the casualties stated above.

Bunkure, Minjibir, Tarauni and Doguwa are the four local government areas of the state affected by this natural disaster.

It was predicted by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) that there would be flooding in 25 local government areas of the state this year.

The secretary said that the agency has visited the affected area and offered them relief materials. Some of the relief materials given to them included food and some building materials.

“The items distributed included bags of cement, bags of rice, maize, millet, roofing sheets and toiletries,’’ he said.

Jili, however, called on wealthy individuals and donor agencies to assist in supporting the victims. He also praised the state government for supporting the agency amidst these crisis.

“Our economy is down due to COVID-19; the government cannot do it alone,’’ the SEMA boss said.

Jili also urged residents who stay close to rivers and ponds to vacate the areas for some time, while also restating the importance of a clear drainage system in preventing flood.

“If the rivers and ponds are over filled with water, please vacate your houses,’’he said.

“I urge those who are not yet affected by the flood to do everything possible to prevent it by clearing their drainages, collecting refuge and taking it to the appropriate place.”

He also reaffirmed that SEMA will not relent in its efforts to ensure protection of lives and properties.