Two children have reportedly died while several residents were forced out of their homes following severe flooding in Gandun Sarki, Malam Madori Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
The incident occurred after a heavy rainfall on Thursday night that lasted for over an hour and caused widespread destruction in parts of the Hadejia Senatorial District.
More than 20 houses were repportedly brought down by the downpour, while other buildings were flooded, leaving families stranded and forcing them to seek safer places.
The victims were said to have been sleeping when a building collapsed in the community. Their father, Mr Sama’ila, said, “My two children, aged 5 and 8, died in the incident. Other female members of the family were rushed to Hadejia General Hospital.”
He added that the injured family members were still receiving medical attention.
A resident, Sani Abubakar, also narrated the extent of his loss, saying his home was completely destroyed by the flood.
“We have lost everything. Government should please help us with shelter and relief materials,” Abubakar said.
The community leader, Malam Jamilu Bulama, said authorities were working to identify all residents affected by the disaster and document their losses.
According to him, drainage channels and culverts constructed by the state government helped prevent further damage in some parts of the community.
The Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency had not released an official statement on the disaster as of Friday evening.
Meanwhile, the Hadejia Zonal Public Relations Officer, Musa Muhammad, confirmed that officials were aware of the flooding, casualties and property damage.
“The incident happened in Gandun Sarki, Malam Madori LGA during Thursday’s heavy rain. We are aware of the casualties and damage to houses,” Muhammad said, adding that “the zonal office was monitoring the situation.”