A Survivor's Tale
Hamza recounts his experiences from the recent devastating floods in Mokwa, Niger State.
It was early morning. We were all in Islamiyya (Islamic class) studying. Suddenly we heard a shout, but by the time we ran out, the water had surrounded us.
In a household of fifty children and four wives, Hamza is one of six children who survived the flood. With only six bodies recovered, the torrent swept away thirty-nine of his family members - including his father’s last wife.
Attached to their home, is the second largest Islamiyya (School of Almajiris) in Anguwan Hausawa, Mokwa LGA of Niger State. The school, Makarantar Mallam Alhaji Usman Kontagora (Tarbiyar Al-Quran), had over fifty students before flash floods claimed the land.
Only four children could be rescued and eight bodies recovered. The school mourned the passing of thirty-eight young students in one day.
“I heard a noise, ran out of the house and saw the water coming” says Hamza’s Mother (Aishatu). “I shouted and the children ran to me. When they saw the water, they panicked, ran back into the room and closed the door. We never saw them again”, she recalls, with sadness in her voice.
I walked on the now barren ground, which only a few days ago had been my family home.
The Mokwa flash flood led to the death of over two hundred people with several more unaccounted for.
Over fifty percent (50%) of these are estimated to be children less than twelve years of age.
With over three thousand displaced and more than five hundred homes destroyed, it is one of the most devastating disasters recorded in the country recently.
Hamza and his family have been staying in a UNICEF rescue tent in one of the two camps set up by the Government. The team were among the first responders and have been providing emergency services including immunization, health & nutrition, water, hygiene & sanitation, as well as psychosocial support services. The family arrived at the camp to receive treatments for their injuries and find a place to rest at nightfall.
A carpenter by profession, this flash flood has robbed Hamza of not just his family, his home and community, but also his means to a decent livelihood. He shares his story, in a passionate appeal to the government, partners agencies and individuals to assist in providing support that will give his family a chance to start a new life.
