Torrential rains in Kaduna State have displaced no fewer than 545 households and damaged 171 homes, leaving communities in Kaduna North Local Government Area counting their losses.
The devastation, caused by heavy downpours between September 4 and 5, has triggered an urgent humanitarian response led by the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency, KADSEMA.
Usman Mazadu, Executive Secretary of KADSEMA, confirmed in a statement that a multi-agency assessment was conducted to determine the scale of damage and coordinate relief.
He explained that the volume of rainfall overwhelmed drainage systems, submerging entire neighborhoods and forcing many families to evacuate with little more than the clothes on their backs.
The joint response team included representatives from the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Christian Aid, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigerian Red Cross, and the Kaduna State Fire and Public Safety Agency.
Together, the coalition carried out evacuations, damage assessments, and provided initial relief materials such as food and temporary shelter.
Among the hardest-hit areas was Kigo Road, where 276 households and 69 buildings were inundated. A private nursery and primary school, Merits Kids Academic School, was also affected, raising concerns over the impact of the disaster on children’s education.
In Rifin Guza, rising waters from an overflowing river submerged several homes, while other affected neighborhoods included Shooting Range, Kabala Costain, Bashama Road in Tudun Wada, Ungwan Rimi, and Malali G.R.A. In Ungwan Rimi, a connecting bridge to Libreville Road was washed over, cutting off access for residents.
Mazadu emphasized that proper documentation of displaced households was underway to ensure relief reached those most in need.
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“Our priority is to provide temporary shelter, food, and medical support for displaced residents,” he said, adding that KADSEMA was committed to working with partners to sustain relief efforts beyond the immediate crisis.
The floods also highlight the recurring vulnerability of Kaduna State to seasonal flooding. In previous years, flash floods have destroyed homes, farmlands, and infrastructure, with residents often blaming blocked drainage channels, unregulated construction, and climate change for worsening the situation.
Experts warn that unless long-term mitigation measures—such as improved drainage, floodplain management, and public awareness campaigns—are implemented, the state will continue to face severe flooding during the rainy season.
KADSEMA has already begun developing a recovery plan aimed at rebuilding affected communities and reducing future risks.
The plan includes not only emergency shelter but also rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure and community-level disaster preparedness initiatives.
During a visit to a displacement camp at Girls Primary School, Kigo, Mazadu reassured residents of government’s continued support.
“We are not abandoning anyone. The government is committed to helping you return to your homes safely and rebuild your lives,” he assured.
For now, displaced families remain in temporary shelters, waiting for relief supplies and the restoration of normalcy.
