Torrential rainfall, flooding destroy more than 250 houses in Katsina

At least 250 homes have been destroyed in Natsinta community in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State following three days of torrential rainfall and attendant flooding.

Though no lives were lost, several people were said to have sustained injuries, with some currently receiving treatment in hospitals.

The affected houses, mostly mud-brick structures, were totally or partially destroyed, and more than 1,000 people, including women and children, were affected by the incident.

Many of the victims have been left in distress and uncertain about where they would shelter or sleep at night.

A lawmaker representing the council in the state House of Assembly, Hon. Mustafa Yusuf, who visited the community, lamented the extent of the damage.

Yusuf assured the victims that the state assembly would sit this week and deliberate on the matter, with a view to enabling the state government to come to their aid.

The lawmaker further called on stakeholders, including non-governmental organisations, politicians, and members of the business community, to assist the affected victims.

Some residents who spoke with newsmen said the extent of the destruction was due to a lack of proper drainage systems in the community.

They lamented that one of the major drainage systems, which moves large bodies of water during rainfall, had been blocked over the years and needed to be dug up again.

Speaking, the Councilor in charge of the area, Shamsu Hassan, said most of the victims lost not just their homes but essential belongings as well, and that the ward is struggling to assist the large number of families affected with its meagre resources.