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Flood Destroys 200 Houses in Kaduna |
Dr. Usman Hayatu-Mazadu, the Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA), has reported that despite warnings and predictions about the impending flood, some residents did not relocate, resulting in the destruction of over 200 houses in Zaria and Sabon-Gari Local Government Areas.
He emphasized that residents' cooperation is crucial for ensuring their safety.
The Kaduna State Government has appealed to residents in flood-prone areas to evacuate immediately following the devastating flood in Sabon-Gari and Zaria.
Dr. Hayatu-Mazadu informed journalists that the state government had taken measures to mitigate the flood's impact, including desilting drainages and conducting awareness campaigns.
He urged residents, especially farmers, to utilize alternative land provided by the state government for farming and to move to urban centers.
“I am here today to address the recent devastating flood that affected Sabon-Gari and Zaria Local Government Areas on Monday. Despite our efforts to mitigate the impact, the flood has caused significant damage, with over 200 houses destroyed. As you may recall, we received predictions from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) three months ago, and we took proactive measures to prepare for the flood.”
“Our assessment identified three key issues: inadequate drainages, dumping of refuse, and structures built within waterways. We presented our findings to the governor, who directed stakeholders to embark on a statewide desilting of old drainages. I am pleased to report that this exercise has been completed, which helped minimize the impact of the flood in other predicted areas. However, despite our efforts, some residents refused to evacuate, leading to the destruction of properties.”
“We have been engaging with radio stations for weeks, but why are we still facing these challenges? The problem is that we are yet to understand the essence and purpose of our lives. I keep saying, and I told the stakeholders, and I equally told the people within these flood-prone areas, that the issue of security and safety is not just about the governor; it’s not just because we have a governor that listens. We also need to understand the importance of safeguarding our lives and property.”
“Why must we risk our lives for the sake of farming or living where we believe it is our right? This is why we are here. Let’s communicate to our brothers and sisters about the negative effects and dangers of living in flood-prone areas. On behalf of the government of Mallam Uba Sani, we are pleading with the entire state, particularly those living in flood-prone areas, to evacuate to urban centers.”
He predicted that the rainy season would be longer than usual, increasing the risk of flooding across the state.
The state government has set up camps for those affected, providing food, non-food items, and security. Dr. Hayatu-Mazadu added that the government is working to ensure that residents understand the value of their lives and the importance of cooperating with the government to prevent further disasters.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its citizens, “but residents must also take responsibility for their lives and properties.”
He appealed to the citizens of Kaduna State to cooperate with the government in ensuring their safety.
“We must understand that the issue of security and safety is not just the responsibility of the government, but also that of individuals. Let us work together to prevent further disasters,” he said.
