At least seven people have died, and 53 others have been injured following a severe windstorm that swept through Jigawa State, Nigeria. The tragedy was confirmed on Wednesday by Hannafi Fagam, executive secretary of the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), during a briefing with reporters.
Scope of the Disaster
According to Mr. Fagam, the windstorm affected 5,403 households across 120 communities in 13 Local Government Areas (LGAs). The affected LGAs include Dutse, Miga, Gwaram, Birnin Kudu, Ringim, Kiyawa, Babura, Kiri-Kasamma, Buji, Kaugama, Gumel, Gagarawa, and Sule-Tankarkar.
Casualties and Injuries
Mr. Fagam disclosed that four deaths were recorded in Dutse LGA, while Miga, Ringim, and Sule-Tankarkar LGAs each recorded one fatality. This brings the total death toll to seven. Additionally, 53 people sustained injuries and are receiving medical treatment.
Damage to Infrastructure
The windstorm also wreaked havoc on critical public infrastructure. It destroyed more than 47 primary and secondary schools, three hospitals, and two police stations. Numerous private properties, including homes and businesses, were also damaged or destroyed.
Government Response
Mr. Fagam disclosed that the Jigawa State government has approved emergency funds to provide immediate intervention and relief support to victims across the affected areas. He described the incident as a natural disaster and appealed to international donor agencies, national organisations, and the general public to intervene and support ongoing relief efforts for the victims.
Call for Assistance
The SEMA executive secretary urged all stakeholders to assist in mitigating the impact of the disaster. He emphasized the need for collective action to help affected communities recover and rebuild their lives.
