At least 33 people have lost their lives in devastating floods that have swept through Nigeria’s northwestern Jigawa State,according to a government official. The heavy rainfall, which persisted for several days, culminated in a bridge collapse,triggering widespread flooding and destruction.
Haruna Mairinga, the head of the State Emergency Management Agency, confirmed the tragic toll on Friday, stating that the death count had risen from 28 earlier in the week. The floods have also displaced an estimated 44,000 people, leaving them without homes and basic necessities.
The impact of the flooding is far-reaching, with 7,800 houses damaged and 10,337 hectares of farmland washed away.The displaced residents are currently receiving medical attention and food aid in temporary shelters established by the government.
Concerns are growing as the country’s Hydrological Services Agency issued a flood alert on Friday, warning of rising water levels in the River Niger. This development poses a significant threat of continued flooding in the region, potentially exacerbating the ongoing crisis.