Over 200 Buildings Destroyed As Windstorm Hits Katsina Community

Hundreds of residents of Dangamau community in Kusada Local Government Area of Katsina State have been displaced after a powerful windstorm accompanied by heavy rainfall destroyed more than 200 houses, shops and other property worth millions of naira.

The disaster, which occurred during the week, caused widespread destruction across the community, leaving many families without shelter and disrupting businesses and other economic activities.

Reacting to the incident, Governor Dikko Radda expressed sympathy with the affected residents, describing the destruction as both painful and unfortunate.

The governor said the loss of homes and valuable property had placed many families under severe hardship and assured victims that the state government would provide the necessary assistance.

“On behalf of the Government and the good people of Katsina State, I commiserate with the victims of this disaster in Dangamau. We feel your pain and we will not leave you alone at this time,” Radda said.

To provide immediate relief, the governor directed relevant government agencies to assess the extent of the damage and begin emergency intervention efforts.

He said plans had already been activated to deliver relief materials and other forms of support to affected households.

“Efforts are in top gear to bring succour to the displaced persons. Food, shelter and other basic needs will be provided without delay,” he assured.

Governor Radda also appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperate with emergency response officials as the government works to restore normalcy in the community.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, the governor prayed for the safety of residents and asked for divine protection against similar disasters across the state.

The latest incident adds to a series of weather-related disasters recorded in Katsina State during the current rainy season.

Just a week earlier, on July 19, two brothers, 12-year-old Muhammad Salisu and seven-year-old Abdurrahman Salisu — lost their lives after floodwaters swept them away in Janbango community within Katsina metropolis.

The children were reportedly returning from a nearby Islamiyya school when heavy rainfall and strong winds turned the roads into fast-moving torrents.

Following an extensive search by residents, their bodies were recovered from different locations, leaving the community in mourning.

Their father, Malam Salisu Arabi, described the tragedy as the most painful experience of his life.

“They left home that day like every other child going to Islamiyya school. I never imagined that the same rain we all witnessed would take away my two children. I have lost two sons in a single day. No father should ever have to endure this kind of pain,” he said.

The children’s mother also urged the government to take urgent action to prevent similar tragedies, saying no family should have to endure such a devastating loss.

Residents of Janbango said the community has struggled with recurring floods for years due to poor drainage infrastructure.

A community elder explained that runoff from several parts of Katsina Local Government Area flows into Janbango during heavy rainfall, causing severe flooding, erosion and destruction.

The Chairman of the Janbango Community Development Association, Malam Tajuddeen, said repeated appeals for proper drainage channels have yet to produce a lasting solution.

“This is not the first time we have experienced flooding, but this is one of the most heartbreaking incidents because it claimed the lives of two innocent children,” he said.

Residents have renewed calls on the Katsina State Government and relevant agencies to implement effective drainage and flood-control measures to prevent further loss of lives and property during the rainy season.