Flooding & The Community

Flood is among the most devastating natural disasters in the world, claiming many lives and causing more property damage than any other natural disaster in Nigeria. The Nigerian Meteorological Agency forecast heavy rains will be recorded this year, and the possibility of flooding is very high.

Kano State, located in the North-West of Nigeria has more than 40 dams, and among these dams are the two largest Dams in the country, namely Tiga Dam and Challawa Gorge Dam. All these dams currently filled to the brim  as a result of this prevailing heavy rainfalls. This is a real threat to the communities living in these areas.

In the course of my findings,  some communities living close to these dams,  particularly in Rimin Gado local government, are entertaining fears of a repeat of last years terrible experience of the people of Gabasawa local government area where most of them were rendered homeless and their farms washed away by floods.

In a brief interview with one Malam Ali Audu, a resident of Rimin Gado, said  last years persistent floods forced them to relocate to another area out of their meager income and without any governmental assistance. Speaking to the local governments Chairman, Alhaji Abdul Hadi Aliyu, he re iterated that his administration is making necessary arrangement to prevent any unforeseen circumstances that may lead to loss of lives and property.

In another area however, not far from Rimin Gado,  the unfortunate situation of flooding is already showing its ugly head as the Guzu-Guru Dam located in Kabo local government is already overflowing and causing damage to huge farmlands. I saw some of the  farmers whose farmlands were washed away attempting to salvage what the remains of their farms. A farmer by name, Mallam Abdullahi, working on his flooded farm said such disaster is regular during heavy the rainfall season and called upon the authorities concern to come to their aid.

bb