By The Analyst Online Media
KANO, Nigeria — The Kano State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has confirmed that five people, not eight as earlier reported in some sections of the media, lost their lives following the devastating rainstorm that struck Bichi Local Government Area of the state on July 22.
The Executive Secretary of SEMA, Alhaji Isyaku Kubarachi, disclosed the corrected casualty figure on Thursday, explaining that the agency established the actual number of deaths after conducting a comprehensive on-the-ground assessment of the affected communities.
According to Kubarachi, the disaster assessment also documented the extent of damage to residential buildings and other valuable property destroyed by the storm.
«"Five persons lost their lives in Bichi as a result of the rainstorm, not eight as erroneously reported by some media outlets," he said.»
He explained that the agency has concluded its assessment and submitted a detailed report to the Kano State Government to facilitate the immediate provision of relief materials to victims.
"We have forwarded our report to the state government. As soon as we receive relief materials, they will be distributed to the affected persons," Kubarachi assured.
The rainstorm left widespread destruction across parts of Bichi Local Government Area, destroying and damaging numerous houses while property worth millions of naira was reportedly lost. The disaster also displaced several families, further highlighting the growing vulnerability of communities to extreme weather events during the rainy season.
Although SEMA has yet to release a detailed breakdown of damaged structures and estimated financial losses, officials said the completed assessment provides the basis for the government's planned intervention.
Meanwhile, the Kano State House of Assembly has urged the state government to expedite relief efforts for affected residents.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by the member representing Bichi Constituency, Lawan Shehu, during Wednesday's plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Jibril Falgore.
Lawmakers called for the immediate distribution of humanitarian assistance to ease the hardship faced by victims and support families displaced by the disaster.
Residents of the affected communities are now awaiting the release and distribution of relief materials, with SEMA assuring that assistance will commence immediately after government approval.
The incident adds to the growing number of rainstorm-related disasters recorded across Nigeria this rainy season, underscoring the need for improved disaster preparedness, resilient infrastructure, and timely emergency response mechanisms.