Climate Change: Many Residents Displaced, Properties Destroyed as Floods Submerge Sokoto Communities

Climate Change: Many Residents Displaced, Properties Destroyed as Floods Submerge Sokoto Communities

  • Dandin Mahe Ward, Shagari Local Government Area in Sokoto state, witnessed serious flooding, which left hundreds of families displaced and properties worth millions of naira destroyed
  • Families recounted how the incident unfolded, narrating the effects on their lives and their property
  • Community leaders were thrown into distress as they called on the state government for support, outlining what the government needs to do

Shagari, Sokoto state - A devastating incident of heavy flooding has wreaked havoc in several communities in Dandin Mahe Ward, Shagari Local Government Area, Sokoto state, following a torrential downpour on Friday, August 15.

Legit.ng learned that the flood submerged houses, farmlands, and other infrastructure, leaving hundreds of families homeless and properties worth millions destroyed.

Families in Sokoto State have lost properties to heavy flooding, Farmers vacate farmlands after effect of the heavy flood, Community leaders in Sokoto begs for government intervention, Reseidents recount how NEMA responded swiftly to the incident
Heavy flooding wreaks havoc in several communities in Dandin Mahe Ward, Shagari Local Government Area, Sokoto state, following a torrential downpour.
Source: UGC

Resident recounts loss

Speaking with Legit.ng, a resident of Dandin Mahe, Malam Umaru, said the community had raised concerns in previous years, but this year's flooding is far worse, as the water submerged houses, mosques, and even schools.

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“For years, the water had been giving us warnings, and our community leaders always wrote to the government for prompt intervention, but nothing was done until the problem became bigger this year.”
“The flood came suddenly after the rain on Friday, water rushed into our houses, swept away our livestock and destroyed everything we had laboured for. Families had to run out in the night with nothing but the clothes they were wearing, while some struggled to save their belongings,” Umaru explained.

Umaru narrated how his family was one of the most severely affected by the disaster, adding that the local farmers were also greatly impacted.

“Personally, I am one of the victims who lost many things when the flood happened. My livestock were killed, and some part of our house was damaged too.”
“Many farms were also submerged and the crops, like Onions, millets and rice were destroyed by the water,” Umar said.

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Community leaders appeal to the government

Legit.ng learned that community leaders of Dandin-Mahe Ward issued a joint appeal to the Sokoto state government, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and other relevant authorities.

They called for both relief support and long-term preventive measures such as proper drainage systems, flood barriers, early warning systems, and disaster preparedness sensitisation.

They said, “This unprecedented situation requires decisive action. We cannot afford to face such devastation again. With prompt government intervention, the lives, properties, and future of our people can be better protected.”

NEMA reacts to Sokoto flood

Meanwhile, Legit.ng gathered that the National Emergency Management Agency dispatched a delegation on Sunday, August 17, to assess the level of destruction caused by the flood.

Mansur Haliru Maigandi, a resident, recounted how NEMA responded swiftly to the incident. He said the NEMA team, accompanied by the councilor of Dandin-Mahe, Hon. Sanusi Barade Dandin-Mahe, and councilor Sanyinnawal, who represented the executive chairman of Shagari Local Government, Alhaji Maidawa, toured the affected areas.

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Mansur said, “Yesterday after we cried out, one of their staff contacted us and asked for details. Today (Sunday), they sent a delegation on oversight to see the level of damage. We are hopeful that both the federal and state governments will support us.”

Residents are now anxiously waiting for relief materials and long-term interventions to prevent a recurrence of the tragedy.

Families in Sokoto State have lost properties to heavy flooding, Farmers vacate farmlands after effect of the heavy flood, Community leaders in Sokoto begs for government intervention, Reseidents recount how NEMA responded swiftly to the incident
NEMA sends delegation to assess level of destruction Dandin Mahe Ward, Shagari Local Government Area, Sokoto State, following a devastating flood.
Source: UGC

Niger flood victims beg Bago for resettlement

Legit.ng reported that an unfortunate flood disaster displaced hundreds of residents in Mokwa, Niger state.

Findings by Legit.ng show that victims are currently homeless and living in fear in tents provided by the Nigerian Red Cross Society.

While Governor Umar Bago’s administration reportedly paid temporary rent fees for many, many displaced people remain in makeshift shelters, constantly anxious that strong winds or rain could blow their refuge away.

Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Atanda Omobolaji avatar

Atanda Omobolaji (Kwara State Correspondent)

Abdul-Hafeez Fadehan avatar

Abdul-Hafeez Fadehan (Editorial Assistant) Abdul-Hafeez Fadehan is a Legit.ng journalist with over a year of experience writing for Punch Newspaper. He received his BSc in Criminology and Security Studies from FUOYE. His background in media communications and criminology, with practical experience in research, interviewing, and digital media, allows him to craft compelling narratives that drive positive change. Fadehan is an Editorial Assistant on Politics/CA Desk at Legit.ng. He is committed to ethical journalism, leveraging his skills to create a meaningful impact. Reach him at abdul-hafeez.fadehan@corp.legit.ng or 070622666732.

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