Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has appealed to corporate organisations operating in the state to support flood victims .

Dr Haruna Mairiga, the executive secretary, made the appeal in an interview with journalists in Dutse on Friday.

Mr Mairiga said that corporate bodies should see such gestures as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

He explained that the gesture would help to reduce the sufferings of the victims.

The executive secretary disclosed that Jaiz Bank had donated N5 million to support the victims.

“Philanthropists, NGOs and corporate bodies operating in the state should put hands together and support our brothers and sisters affected by floods.

“We are more particular about donations and we want it in kind, that is food items or building materials to help them rebuild their lost houses. We’ve been reaching out to them, but they’re not forthcoming, while others have been collecting data from us.

“But Jaiz Bank has sent N5 million to us, while UNICEF and action against hunger offered to support 3,500 victims with cash,” the executive secretary said.

According to him, the agency held an emergency meeting with its stakeholders to review the 2024 flood incident and some assistance has been offered to the victims .

Giving an update on the level of damage caused by the flood, Mairiga said that 39 persons lost their lives, 12,000 hectares of farmlands were washed away, 8,500 houses affected and 15,000 were displaced.

He added that some of the victims, who lost their homes, were being camped in schools.

“Others whose houses have not collapsed are waiting for the water to recede before going back.

“Our major challenge now is for those who lost their houses completely. This is because even if the water recedes,to resettle them is a big task,” he said.

The executive secretary added that most deaths recorded were as a result of building collapse and blamed the victims for not heeding the advice of authorities.

“The death toll rose because people did not heed our warnings. When you are in a mud house and you see that it was submerged by water, then you leave. If you stay, you will definitely be a casualty,” the official said.

According to him, the state government has established a clinic in each of the camps and has provided adequate drugs to prevent an outbreak of diseases.

Mr Mairiga, who assured of adequate provision of clean water in camps, called for more security presence.

(NAN)