In the aftermath of heavy rainfall last Saturday night, the community of Cheledi in the Kirfi Local Government Area of Bauchi State was devastated as floodwaters swept through, washing away homes, livestock, and crops worth millions of naira.
Auwal Ahmad Cheledi, a resident of Cheledi village, described the calamity as a recurring disaster that has plagued the community. He recounted the unfortunate events: “Following a torrential downpour on Saturday night, a rush of water from the bush, a recurring occurrence over the years, violently breached a dam built to contain the flood.
“This led to the destruction of numerous houses, sweeping away household belongings and livestock.”
Auwal, who has close ties to many affected individuals, remembered the onset of the troubling floods in 2021.
“That year, several houses were destroyed, forcing victims to seek refuge in the village’s primary school for three months until the end of the rainy season. History repeated itself this time, with people having to rely on relatives, neighbors, and friends for shelter due to their homes being destroyed beyond repair.”
Despite efforts by local residents to prepare for the rainy season and mitigate flood risks following warnings from authorities, the sheer force of this year’s floods overwhelmed all preventive measures,” he emphasized.
He expressed disappointment in the government’s response, citing a lack of tangible solutions despite repeated assurances.
“Authorities would temporarily address the immediate flooding but have failed to implement lasting solutions as promised,” he lamented.
He urged the state government to take decisive action by constructing effective drainage systems to redirect floodwaters back to the river, thereby protecting the village from future disasters.
Reacting to the situation, Adamu Nayola, the Director of Publicity for the Bauchi State Emergency Management Agency, highlighted the agency’s proactive measures in raising awareness and collaborating with various stakeholders to address safety concerns in communities prior to the rainy season.
“SEMA has proposed initiatives to the state government for establishing waterways in Cheledi village, and we are optimistic that the governor will implement sustainable solutions to mitigate flood risks in the area.
By partnering with other agencies, such as the Ministry of Health, Environmental Protection Agency, and Agriculture Extension Workers, we have developed strategies to safeguard communities from natural disasters,” Nayola stated.
While commending the state government’s efforts in preventing flooding in urban areas, Nayola expressed confidence in the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by Cheledi village.
Additionally, Arewa PUNCH reported that the recent heavy rainfall has resulted in the destruction of over 210 homes and vast farmlands across Bauchi State.
Dr. Umar Gabarin, Coordinator of the Bauchi State Emergency Management Agency, revealed that the flood has impacted numerous communities in the state, including Magama in Toro LGA, Kari in Darazo, and Zindi in Misau.
Gabarin warned that seven other LGAs, including Itas Gadau, Jama’are, Ganjuwa, Shira, Zaki, Warji, and Katagum, are at high to moderate risk of further flooding, bringing the total to nine districts.
“Despite warnings from SEMA and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) regarding flood risks, many residents disregarded the alerts, leading to extensive damage,” he emphasized.