Two children have died and several others were hospitalised after a heavy downpour triggered flooding and the collapse of more than 20 houses in Gandun Sarki community, Jigawa State.
The rubble of a collapsed building in Gandun Sarki community, Malam Madori Local Government Area of Jigawa State
Two children have died while several others were injured after a building collapsed following a heavy downpour in Gandun Sarki community, Malam Madori Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
The rainfall, which lasted for more than an hour across parts of Hadejia Senatorial District, caused widespread flooding and the collapse of more than 20 houses in the community.
The father of the deceased children, Suma’ila, said the building collapsed on Friday night while his children were asleep.
“Two of my children, aged five and eight, were inside the room when it collapsed. They died in the incident, while other family members were injured and taken to Hadejia General Hospital,” he said.
Residents said several houses were either destroyed or surrounded by floodwater following the downpour.
One of the surviving victims, Sani Abubakar, whose house was destroyed, appealed to the Jigawa State Government for urgent assistance.
“My house has been destroyed by the rain. We need urgent help from the government because we have nowhere to stay,” Abubakar said.
The community leader, Malam Jamilu Bulama, said steps had been taken to identify all affected residents.
“I have directed my subordinates to compile the names of all those affected so we can have a clear record of the damage and the people who need assistance,” Bulama said.
Residents said the impact of the rainfall was reduced by drainage systems and culverts constructed by the Jigawa State Government in the area last year.
The incident has renewed calls for emergency support for affected families and improved measures to protect communities from flooding and building collapses during the rainy season.
