Kaduna: Residents of Manchok community in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State have appealed to both the Federal and State Governments for urgent assistance over severe flooding of their homes and farmlands. The floods, resulting from heavy rainfall over the past three days, submerged several streets and left behind widespread destruction of properties and crops in the community.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Duniya Sambo, a resident, lamented his losses while speaking to newsmen in front of his flooded house. He stated that the flood destroyed his electronics, sofa, and other household items. ‘The flood destroyed my properties, and made my family members stay up all night draining water from the house,’ he said. Similarly, Luka Ishaya, a local farmer, reported that the flood wiped out his food crops and plantation, which are his only sources of livelihood. ‘The rains, rather than being beneficial to crops and plantation, have brought nothing but devastation. It is really sad,’ he said.
Another resident, Thomas Yatai, attributed the flooding of the community to blocked waterways and the absence of an appropriate drainage system in the area. Yatai also decried the lack of waste bins, which forces many residents to dispose of refuse on roadsides and drains. He emphasized the need for government investments in urban renewal projects, including proper channelization and the construction of drains that are wide enough to accommodate large volumes of water.
A community youth leader, Moses Mathew, expressed regret over the plight of the community, stressing that the devastation could have been contained if not for the blocked drainages in the area. Mathew mentioned that the youths had resolved to engage in self-help measures to manage the situation pending any assistance from the government. ‘We cannot sit idly by and watch our community ravaged by floods and therefore we have resolved to take the bull by the horn. Starting on Monday, we will mobilize to excavate makeshift water channels in our community. We are also going to be clearing all blocked drains in order to prevent further damage. We will do this while we await possible intervention from the government and other well-meaning individuals or organizations,’ he added.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that although no death was recorded, the residents of Manchok were facing a precarious situation as they struggled to recover from the impact of the flood.