Iliyasu Abdulahi Bah
Catastrophic floods have unleashed havoc in parts of Zaria, Kaduna State, following two days of intense rainfall, resulting in a tragic loss of life, widespread destruction of property, and a growing humanitarian crisis. The disaster has officially claimed three lives, destroyed 270 households, and displaced over 400 residents, according to confirmations from the National Emergency Management Agency NEMA.
The incident transformed streets into raging rivers and residential areas into lakes of muddy water. The force of the floodwaters completely demolished 270 homes, reducing structures to rubble and rendering entire neighborhoods uninhabitable.
The human cost is profound, with three individuals confirmed to have lost their lives in the disaster. Over 400 men, women, and children have been forcibly displaced from their homes, now seeking temporary shelter with relatives, in public buildings and open spaces, facing an uncertain future.
The National Emergency Management Agency NEMA confirmed the severity of the incident through a post on its official X handle. The agency described the disaster as “dangerous to life and the development of a community,” highlighting the immediate threats to human safety and the long-term setback to the area’s social and economic progress.
Emergency response teams, comprising personnel from NEMA and the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency SEMA, are presumed to be on the ground conducting assessments and coordinating the distribution of immediate relief materials. These typically include food supplies, clean water, blankets, mattresses, and medical aid to prevent the outbreak of waterborne diseases.
The floods in Zaria serve as a stark reminder of the increasing frequency and intensity of climate related disasters and the urgent need for proactive measures to protect lives and property.