- Safiu Kehinde
At least 2000 residents have been displaced as flood ravaged ten communities following heavy rains in Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says.
Mr Aliyu Shehu-Kafindagi, the Head of Operations of NEMA, Sokoto Office, made this known when he led a joint assessment team to the affected areas on Wednesday.
He added that the incident left no fewer than 2,000 people homeless, who had no option than to flee to more safe areas.
“The incident, which occurred between Sept. 17 and 22, was caused by heavy rainfall and coming of more water from River Niger, that led some communities to be submerged and inundated by the water.
“10 communities were affected in Shanga local government, and they include, Kunda, Dala- Maidawa, Dala-Tudu, Dala-Mairuwa, Ishe-Mairuwa, Kwarkusa, Kurmudi, Tugar Maigani, Tukur Cika, Uguwar Gwada, Uguwar Wakili and Gundu,” he said.
According to him, the displaced people are largely fishermen, who have lost many hectares of farmlands.
He said all their assorted crops comprising rice, maize, millet, beans, and guinea-corn, among others have been submerged.
The NEMA’s head also explained that the team in the course of its assessment, identified an Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)’ camp in Tudun Faila Primary School, sheltering more than 300 people.