Flood from heavy rainfall destroys over 100 houses, renders families homeless in Jigawa

In Gantsa Town, Buji Local Government Area, Jigawa State, heavy rains has resulted in the destruction of nearly 100 buildings.

Many families were said to have been rendered homeless and major property damage had resulted from the torrential downpour that started on Sunday evening and continued until Monday morning.

The following was confirmed in a statement by Badruddeen Tijjani, Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Jigawa State Command: “Preliminary reports indicate that the severe weather conditions led to widespread flooding, which overwhelmed the town’s drainage systems.”

“The floods quickly inundated residential areas of Gantsa town, leading to the collapsed of several houses. Many families were forced to flee their homes for safety and countless personal belongings have been lost to the floodwaters.

“Local authorities, security agencies including the Buji Local Government Emergency Response Team and State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, were on ground to assess the extent of the damage.

“Rescue operations are ongoing and temporary shelters are being set up to accommodate the displaced residents at the council quarters.”

“NSCDC Disaster Management personnel were deployed strategically to guard victim’s property against theft and pilferages while at the same time assisting with the evacuation. There have been no reported casualties this time, but the situation remained fluid as more information is being gathered.”