In a tragic turn of events, the Argungu Emirate in Kebbi State has been severely impacted by catastrophic flooding, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The disaster, which unfolded following relentless heavy rainfall on Saturday and into Sunday morning, has wreaked havoc across multiple communities, displacing hundreds of residents and destroying more than 200 homes.
The floodwaters surged through several villages, including Bayawa, Tiggi, Fakon Sarki Settlement, and the Karda Area in Argungu town, submerging homes and properties. As a result, many residents have been forced to flee their homes,
Seeking refuge wherever they can find it. In Bayawa village, displaced individuals have taken shelter at Bayawa Secondary School, while those from Fakon Sarki have been relocated to Magajin Rafi Model Primary School in the new barracks area of Argungu town. Similarly, the residents of Tiggi village have found temporary accommodation at the local secondary school.
The aftermath of this natural disaster has left the affected communities in a state of shock and despair. Families who once had roofs over their heads now find themselves without a place to call home. The deluge has not only destroyed homes but has also disrupted lives, leaving many to grapple with the uncertainty of what lies ahead.
In response to the calamity, Kebbi State’s Deputy Governor, Umar Tafida, promptly visited the flood-stricken areas to assess the situation firsthand and offer support to the affected communities. During his visit, he directed an immediate assessment of the damage to the houses and properties in the affected areas. He also instructed that a comprehensive list of the victims and their lost belongings be compiled to ensure that aid is distributed efficiently and fairly.
Recognizing the urgent need for assistance, Deputy Governor Tafida took swift action to provide relief to the displaced residents. He ordered the evacuation of people to nearby schools, where they could find temporary shelter and safety from the ongoing flood threat. Additionally, he announced the provision of emergency assistance to help alleviate the suffering of those who have been hardest hit by the disaster.
As an initial measure of support, the Deputy Governor allocated N5 million to each of the affected villages – Bayawa, Tiggi, and Fakon Sarki – to assist with the immediate needs of the displaced residents. Furthermore, he donated an additional one million naira for the purchase of food and drinks, ensuring that those who have been forced to abandon their homes have access to basic necessities during this challenging time.
Deputy Governor Tafida assured the victims that he would be forwarding a comprehensive report of the incident to the state governor, Nasir Idris. He emphasized that this report would be instrumental in securing further assistance from both the state and federal governments, to support the recovery and rebuilding efforts in the affected communities.
The flooding in Argungu Emirate is a stark reminder of the devastating impact that natural disasters can have on communities, particularly in regions that are vulnerable to extreme weather events. As the affected residents begin the arduous task of rebuilding their lives, the need for continued support and assistance cannot be overstated.
The state government, along with federal authorities, will need to coordinate their efforts to ensure that the necessary resources are mobilized to help these communities recover. It is a time for solidarity, as the people of Kebbi State come together to support their fellow citizens in this time of need.
As the situation continues to unfold, there will undoubtedly be more challenges ahead. However, with the support of the government and the resilience of the people, it is hoped that the affected communities will be able to overcome this disaster and rebuild their lives.
