Emergency response agencies in Kaduna have launched evacuation, search and rescue operations following a flash flood that swept through parts of Kaduna metropolis on Sunday evening.
The incident affected Asikolaye and the Federal Polytechnic, Tudun Wada, in Kaduna North Local Government Area.
The response involved the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency, Federal and Kaduna State Fire Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Red Cross Society and others.
The agencies moved into the affected areas to evacuate residents, conduct search and rescue operations and assess the impact of the flooding.
Halima Suleiman, Head of NEMA Operations Office, Kaduna, said the floodwater had receded, with residents beginning to clean their homes.
Suleiman, however, said residual water remained in some areas, adding that reports of casualties were still being verified.
She said a boy was reportedly drowned during the incident, while another drowning was reported on Thursday.
“We are trying to go to the person’s house. I will give you an update once we go there,” she said.
Meanwhile, Isa Sadiq, Head of Inspection, Investigation and Enforcement, Federal Fire Service, Kaduna Command, attributed the severity of the flooding to indiscriminate disposal of waste.
Sadiq said drainage channels in many parts of the metropolis were clogged with non-biodegradable waste, restricting the free flow of stormwater.
He also identified inadequate public awareness about designated waste collection points as another factor aggravating the situation.
Sadiq called for stronger public enlightenment on proper waste disposal, regular desilting of drainage channels and stricter enforcement against indiscriminate dumping of refuse.
He urged residents to desist from dumping waste in waterways and drainage channels to reduce the risk of flash floods.
