Over 3,600 Displaced By Flood As Communities Rebuild Lives

Severe flooding has wreaked havoc in Zango Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State, displacing more than 3,633 people across five communities.

The devastating floods, which occurred on 25th August, have left families scrambling for shelter and struggling to rebuild their lives amidst significant loss and damage.

Imam Garki, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Northwest Zonal Coordinator, highlighted the extent of the destruction in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Kaduna.

According to Garki, the affected communities include Fadan Tsoho, Zonzon, Zangon Kataf, Unguwan Wakili, and Zonkwa, where many homes were submerged and properties extensively damaged.

“No fewer than 3,633 persons were displaced due to the flooding, and numerous houses were damaged,” Garki stated, underscoring the widespread impact of the floods on local residents.

In response, NEMA, in partnership with the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency, conducted a comprehensive assessment of the situation.

The assessment revealed that many of the displaced victims have taken refuge with relatives in nearby villages, seeking temporary safety and support as they navigate the aftermath of the disaster.

In addition to the loss of homes, the floods have caused extensive damage to household property and disrupted the livelihoods of many residents. The assessment team reported that farmlands have been submerged, leading to the loss of crops that local farmers depend on for sustenance and income.

Livestock, including sheep and goats, were also lost in the deluge, with many animals still unaccounted for, compounding the financial strain on affected families.

For communities such as Zonzon and Unguwan Wakili, where agriculture and livestock farming are central to daily life, the loss of farmlands and animals is particularly devastating.

Farmers who were preparing for harvest now face an uncertain future as their crops lie underwater and their livestock is either drowned or scattered.

The economic impact of the flooding is expected to be long-lasting, affecting not only the immediate food supply but also the income and overall well-being of these communities.

Garki assured the affected communities that NEMA is committed to providing assistance to those impacted by the floods.

“We have seen the level of damage in the area, and we are determined to ensure that NEMA will not leave the victims in their current state. We will do our best to assist them,” he promised.

NEMA’s support will likely include the provision of relief materials such as food, clothing, and temporary shelter to alleviate the immediate suffering of the displaced families.

However, the path to recovery will require a sustained effort from both government and non-governmental organisations to rebuild homes, restore livelihoods, and prevent future occurrences.

The floods in Zango Kataf are a stark reminder of the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in Nigeria, often linked to climate change.

As the rainy season progresses, there are growing concerns about the vulnerability of other communities in the region to similar disasters.

Experts have long warned that poor urban planning, inadequate drainage systems, and deforestation contribute to the severity of flooding in Nigeria.

In response, there are calls for more proactive measures, including better infrastructure, reforestation projects, and community education on flood preparedness.

Local authorities in Kaduna State are now under pressure to improve flood management strategies and implement long-term solutions to mitigate the impact of future flooding.

This includes not only enhancing early warning systems but also investing in resilient infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather conditions.

Furthermore, there is a need for community-level interventions such as building flood barriers and clearing blocked waterways to reduce the risk of future floods.

For now, the focus remains on immediate relief efforts. NEMA, alongside other emergency response teams, is working tirelessly to provide much-needed support to the displaced families.

Meanwhile, the residents of Fadan Tsoho, Zonkwa, and other affected areas continue to grapple with the reality of rebuilding their lives from scratch.

The tragic events in Zango Kataf serve as a sobering reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive disaster management strategies across Nigeria.

As the country braces for more unpredictable weather patterns, it is crucial that both the government and communities work together to enhance resilience and safeguard lives and livelihoods against the growing threat of climate-induced disasters.