50 Houses Washed Away by Flood in Kano, Residents Blame Blocked Drainage

A downpour in the early hours of yesterday rendered many homeless, as no fewer than 50 houses in Kano metropolis were affected. The affected areas include Makasa, Garangamawa, Magashi and Kasuwar Kurmi, where reports had it that about eight houses were lost to the flood.

Other areas affected within the metropolis include Adakawa, Chedi, Hotoro, Kawo and Badawa areas. Sources ascertained that Chedi was worst hit as nearly all the houses in the densely-populated area were flooded, along with personal effects by the ravaging flood.

A resident of Chedi, Haruna Ismail, told sources that the impact of the flood was occasioned by blocked canal at the centre of the area. According to Ismail, “we were exposed to death by ravaging flood waters, but we give glory to Allah that we survived to tell our stories.”

A resident of Hotoro Arewa, Muhammad Sani Muhammad, told sources that 10 houses were lost to the flood, while public utilities in the quarter were not left out. Muhammad blamed blocked drainage as responsible for the flood, as he called on fellow residents to develop a common approach to the menace.

Commenting on the incident, Kano Director of Fire Service, Alhaji Mustapha Muhammad, told sources that details were sketchy and pleaded for time to enable him contact field officers.

Though Alhaji Mustapha failed to provide statistics, he blamed blocked canals and drainage as responsible for the flood. He, therefore, called for attitudinal change among residents to check perennial flooding within the metropolis.

Kano State Emergency Relief Agency in its reaction confirmed the flood, but failed to provide figures. Its spokesperson, Ruqayyah Uba, told our sources that “Our report would be ready soon,” but at press time nothing was forthcoming from the agency.