Jigawa State is grappling with severe flooding that has submerged 12 out of its 27 local government areas, raising concerns about a repeat of the catastrophic 2020 floods that affected over 90 percent of the state. The situation has prompted the state government to seek urgent help from federal authorities, donor organisations, and philanthropists to prevent further damage and assist those affected.
Dr. Haruna Mairiga, Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), reported that between August 1 and August 13, 2024, several flood incidents have struck the state. These incidents have led to the death of 16 people in a boat accident and caused extensive damage to farmlands and homes. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, but the situation is already dire.
Dr. Mairiga called for immediate support from various quarters to address the current crisis and mitigate the risk of a disaster similar to the one experienced in 2020. He stated that the ongoing floods, which began in late July, have resulted in significant loss of life and property, displacing many people from their homes.
“Since late July, we have been facing significant flood incidents. Between August 1 and 13, 2024, we saw several severe floods leading to tragic losses,” Dr. Mairiga said. The floods have resulted in the deaths of at least 16 people in a boat mishap and have caused extensive damage to both farmlands and homes. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
The flood has affected several local government areas including Buji, Kafin Hausa, Auyo, Hadejia, Birniwa, Malam Madori, Garki, Taura, Gwaram, and Dutse. The Executive Secretary expressed alarm over the timing of the floods, noting that they are occurring as the rainy season reaches its peak.
“The situation is quite alarming,” Dr. Mairiga said. “As we reach the peak of the rainy season, we can only hope and pray that the situation does not worsen in the coming days.”
Governor Mal. Umar Namadi’s administration has been actively working to protect and support the affected communities. Despite these efforts, the scale of the current flooding requires additional support from outside the state. Dr. Mairiga highlighted the urgent need for humanitarian assistance to help internally displaced persons.
“It is crucial that we start soliciting urgent humanitarian support to assist internally displaced persons with either food or non-food items,” he added. “We need to help them during this trying time and rehabilitate them back to their homes once the floodwaters recede.”
To provide immediate relief, SEMA has distributed palliative items to the affected areas, including Kagarko, Garki, Gantsa, Bulungu, Gwadayi, Taura, and Nahuce. The aid includes foodstuffs, rubber mats, blankets, mosquito nets, and cash, among other essentials.
The floods in Jigawa State are part of a larger pattern of increasing weather-related disasters in Nigeria. In 2020, severe flooding affected large parts of the country, causing widespread damage and displacement. The current floods have raised fears of a similar scale of disaster.
Dr. Mairiga’s appeal for help highlights the urgent need for comprehensive support to prevent a repeat of the 2020 disaster. The floods have not only caused immediate damage but also pose long-term challenges for the affected communities.
In 2020, Jigawa State experienced some of the worst flooding in its history, affecting the majority of the state. The 2024 floods have raised fears of a similar disaster, with many residents and officials concerned about the potential for widespread damage.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIHSA), and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) had predicted the likelihood of flooding this year, but the scale of the current crisis has still caught many off guard.
