Two children are feared dead after heavy rainfall caused flooding and building collapses in Gandun Sarki community, Malam Madori Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
The downpour lasted for more than an hour on Thursday night. Consequently, several homes collapsed or became surrounded by floodwater, forcing affected families to seek safety elsewhere.
Community sources said more than 20 houses collapsed during the rainfall. Several other buildings were also submerged as floodwaters spread through parts of the community.
Two children trapped in collapsed building
The rain reportedly came late at night when many residents were already asleep.
According to eyewitnesses, a building collapsed during the early hours of Friday and trapped several occupants inside.
Sama’ila, the father of two children reportedly caught in the collapse, said his five-year-old and eight-year-old children died.
“My two children, aged five and eight, died in the incident. Other female members of the family were rushed to Hadejia General Hospital.”
The injured family members are receiving treatment at the hospital, according to the father.
However, authorities had yet to provide an official casualty figure at the time of reporting.
Flood destroys homes and belongings
The disaster also left several residents without shelter.
One affected resident, Sani Abubakar, said floodwater destroyed his home and belongings.
“We have lost everything. Government should please help us with shelter and relief materials.”
Abubakar appealed to the Jigawa State Government and relevant emergency agencies to provide assistance to displaced families.
Community begins assessment of damage
Community leader Malam Jamilu Bulama confirmed the incident and said efforts were underway to document the affected residents.
“I had ordered my aides to compile a full list of those affected in Gandun Sarki and nearby areas,” Bulama said.
He added that the names would be forwarded to the relevant authorities to support the response.
According to the community leader, drainage infrastructure constructed by the state government last year helped reduce the impact of the flooding in some areas.
He said the culverts and drainage channels diverted part of the floodwater and prevented further destruction.
Emergency agencies monitor situation
Meanwhile, the Hadejia zonal office confirmed the flooding and damage.
The zonal Public Relations Officer, Musa Muhammad, said the incident occurred during Thursday night’s heavy rainfall.
“The incident happened in Gandun Sarki, Malam Madori LGA during Thursday’s heavy rain. We are aware of the casualties and damage to houses.”
Muhammad added that the zonal office was monitoring developments in the affected community.
However, the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) had not issued a detailed statement on the incident at the time of reporting.
Authorities are expected to assess the extent of the damage and determine the immediate needs of affected residents.
Why flooding remains a concern in Jigawa
Flooding remains a recurring problem in several parts of Jigawa State during the rainy season.
Communities located near waterways often face increased risks when heavy rainfall overwhelms drainage systems.
In addition, blocked culverts and drainage channels can prevent water from flowing away quickly.
Indiscriminate waste disposal also worsens the situation because discarded materials can obstruct waterways and increase the speed at which floodwater spreads into residential areas.
For updates and official emergency information, readers can check the Jigawa State Government and relevant emergency management authorities.
What we know so far
- Location: Gandun Sarki, Malam Madori LGA, Jigawa State
- Incident: Heavy rainfall, flooding and building collapses
- Reported casualties: Two children feared dead
- Homes affected: More than 20 buildings reportedly collapsed
- Injured: Several residents reportedly taken to Hadejia General Hospital
- Emergency response: Local authorities are monitoring the situation
- Official casualty figure: Yet to be fully confirmed
