A catastrophic flood has left Natsinta village in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State reeling, as at least 250 houses were destroyed following a relentless downpour.
The unprecedented rainfall, which has battered the state for over a week, peaked with three days of torrential rain from Thursday to Saturday, causing widespread destruction and leaving residents in a state of distress.
Although no fatalities were reported, the heavy rains resulted in several injuries, with many of the affected individuals now facing an uncertain future. The disaster has been particularly devastating due to the absence of a proper drainage system in the area, which residents say worsened the impact of the flood.
Mas’udu Lawal, a resident of Natsinta, pointed to the disruption of a crucial drainage channel as a key factor in the extent of the damage.
“The blockage of our main drainage channel made the situation much worse. If the drainage had been maintained, we might have been spared this level of destruction,” Lawal explained.
Another victim, Abdurrahman Ibrahim, recounted the harrowing experience of losing not just his home, but also valuables worth millions of Naira.
“We’ve lost everything. Our homes, our belongings… everything is gone. It’s hard to describe the level of despair we’re facing now,” Ibrahim said.
The situation has drawn attention from local authorities, with Hon. Mustapha Yusuf, the member representing Jibia Local Government Area in the Katsina State House of Assembly, visiting the affected area on Saturday, August 17, 2024.
During his visit, Hon. Yusuf expressed deep concern over the extent of the damage and assured residents of the Assembly’s commitment to securing immediate intervention from the state government.
He called on all stakeholders to contribute generously in support of the victims.
“This is a time for all of us to come together. The government, political leaders, and private individuals must all play a part in helping our people rebuild their lives,” Yusuf urged.
The District Head of Daddara, Alhaji Usman Nagoggo, also voiced his concerns, emphasizing the confusion and hardship now facing the residents.
“The destruction here is immense. People are disoriented and in desperate need of help. We are calling on the government and all those who can assist to step in and provide the necessary support,” Nagoggo pleaded.
As the displaced residents struggle to find shelter, they face the added challenges of poverty, insecurity, and food shortages. The scale of the disaster has compounded these issues, leaving many without basic necessities and wondering how they will survive the days ahead.
The community’s urgent needs highlight the importance of a coordinated response to provide relief and prevent further suffering.
As the rains continue to fall, the hope is that swift action will be taken to restore some measure of stability to the lives of those affected.