A devastating windstorm accompanied by heavy rainfall has destroyed hundreds of houses in parts of Zamfara State, leaving many residents homeless.
The Councillor representing Gada–Karakai Ward in Bungudu Local Government Area, Basiru Sani Idris, popularly known as “Mai Akuya,” confirmed that the incident affected communities in both Maru and Bungudu Local Government Areas.
He said more than 125 houses were destroyed in Karakai alone, based on reports received from affected residents following the rainstorm.
According to Idris, over 50 houses were also damaged in Zango area of Bungudu town, while other communities including Langa Langa, Sambisa, and surrounding villages recorded significant destruction.
The councillor further disclosed that more than 50 houses were destroyed in Furfuri and Rawaiyya villages, worsening the impact of the disaster across the affected areas.
He noted that the incident occurred between Friday and Monday, describing the situation as tragic, as many families lost their homes and valuables.
Bssiru Idris attributed the disaster to natural causes, but also linked it to environmental and human factors such as deforestation, desert encroachment, and the construction of substandard buildings without proper regulation.
He estimated that, over 500 houses were affected by the combined impact of strong winds and heavy rainfall.
One of the victims, Malam Barau, described the incident as unprecedented, nothing that, the community had never experienced such destruction.
Also speaking, Isaka Haske Bela said several parts of the community were affected, including Rugar Kaya, Anguwar Marafa, Bela town, and the palace of the district head of Rugar Kaya.
He added that Sabon Gari Bela and the old cemetery area also suffered extensive damage.
Other reports indicated that no fewer than 100 houses were destroyed in Bela town following the devastating windstorm accompanied by heavy rainfall that swept through the area.
Meanwhile, the Executive Secretary of the Zamfara State Emergency Management Agency has confirmed the incident in a telephone interview, stated that officials from both the state agency and the National Emergency Management Agency would visit the affected communities today to assess the level of damage.
Similarly, the member representing Maru/Bungudu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Abdulmalik Zubairu, also confirmed the incident on his Facebook page and expressed sympathy with the victims.
They appealed to the Zamfara State Government to provide urgent relief materials, and called on the National Emergency Management Agency to intervene with humanitarian support.
AMINU DALHATU
