ASHENEWS reports that hundreds of residents of Kebbi State’s Geza community have been displaced following an hour of torrential rain that unleashed destructive floods. The incident occurred around 3 pm last Tuesday, sweeping through the village in Dandi Local Government Area.
The floods hit hard and fast, destroying homes and displacing families.
Yahaya Abdullahi Geza, a resident who lost his home, described the scene with a heavy heart. “The incident happened at about half past 3 to 4 pm on Tuesday, and when the flooding occurred, it affected almost all the houses built with clay.
“We can’t ascertain the losses we counted, as I am also struggling to evacuate my properties. It is not easy, no life was lost, we used to experience such incidents but what happened on Tuesday was scary. It was worse than anything we had experienced before. We are appealing to the government and other stakeholders in the state to come to our aid”, he said.
A call for help
Yahaya expressed deep frustration and a sense of abandonment. “We often hear promises from politicians when these disasters strike. They express their condolences on social media, but that’s where their help ends. We need real support, not just words,” he lamented.
The sentiment was echoed by Bashar Mai Mai, another affected resident, who painted a grim picture of the aftermath. “This flood has left many of us homeless and destroyed numerous businesses. We know that floods are beyond our control, but we can reduce the risk by avoiding construction on waterways and not dumping refuse in gutters. We urgently need the government to address these issues and help us rebuild.”
Geza community’s struggle with floods is not new. The residents have faced similar calamities before, and the cycle of destruction continues. Yahaya pointed out the recurring nature of these floods, calling on affluent individuals in the state to extend their help. “This isn’t our first flood disaster. We’re pleading for aid from well-off individuals and the government to prevent future occurrences and support us through this crisis,” he said.
This disaster in Geza is a stark reminder of the broader flood risks facing Kebbi State and many other regions in Nigeria. Recently, Professor Joseph Utsev, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, warned that 148 local government areas across 31 states, including Kebbi, are at high risk of flooding in 2024. This caution was part of the official unveiling of the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook.
Utsev’s warning highlights the urgent need for effective flood risk management. Experts agree that a collaborative effort between the government, local authorities, and communities is crucial to mitigate the impact of such disasters. Implementing proactive measures, improving infrastructure, and ensuring sustainable practices are essential steps to protect vulnerable areas from future floods.
