The Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has reported that 60 people have died as a result of the devastating flood that hit the state. Additionally, it was stated that 16 Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps had been set up to care for those who had been affected by the flood.
In a conversation with reporters in Dutse, the state capital, Alhaji Yusuf Sani Babura, the agency's executive secretary, said this.
He said: “As of last week, 50 people have been confirmed dead. This week, six people were also confirmed dead; bringing the total to 56 who lost their lives in the flood disaster.”
He also said: “I also heard that a local canoe capsised and four people died in the incident, though we are yet to receive an official report on the occurrence.”
He stated that there are 11 Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps run by the agency in Jigawa (Hadejia area), two in Miga, two in Dutse, and one in Birninkudu local government districts.
"This is an emergency. We cannot wait for long processes before we reach the victims of the accident," the executive secretary said, adding that the agency is funding every aspect of its activities with borrowed money.
All of what we do, according to Alhaji Babura, is financed by debt. The state has not yet made any money available. However, we are confident that once we submitted, the government would resolve the issue.
He added that the agency has made a proposal to assist the families of the victims of the deceased as a result of a flood, canoe capsised and collapsed buildings, but the governor is yet to approve it.
Also, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Farouq, has directed the officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to immediately assess and deploy relief items to 2,051 victims affected by the flood.
The minister stated that the items would help to reduce the impact of the floods on the victims of the disaster.
At least 2,051 people were reportedly displaced in Karnaya Community while 2,000 homes were destroyed across the state due to the downpour on Sunday.
The directive was contained in a statement by the Media aide to the minister, Nneka Anibeze in Abuja.
Other affected communities are Sankara, Birnin Kudu and Gwaram communities in Ringim and Dutse local government areas.
The minister also sympathised with the government and people of Kano State following the collapse of a three-storey building.
She also directed that search-and-rescue operations should continue to ensure that all those trapped in the rubble are rescued.
Eight people have so far been rescued and taken to Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital for treatment while one person was confirmed dead.
Six others with minor injuries have been treated and discharged.