Report corruption: 08004332277
In the community of Cheledi located in Kirfi Local Government Area, Bauchi State resides Maryam Ladan, who shares her harrowing experience of the 2022 floods that ravaged her home and livelihood.
In her words, “It all began on a fateful Thursday when the flooding started gradually,” Maryam narrates, her voice laced with sadness. “At first, we didn’t think it would be anything serious. However, to our surprise, the flood grew beyond our imagination.”
The floodwaters mercilessly swept through Maryam’s village, submerging homes, farms, and everything in their path. “Eventually, our home was submerged,” Maryam recalls. “Two days later, another heavy flood struck, taking away our properties, our farm, and even the chickens belonging to people in the community.”
Maryam’s husband, a farmer, was not spared from the devastation. “All his crops were submerged, resulting in a financial loss for us,” Maryam says, her voice trembling. The couple’s hopes were dashed as their means of sustenance were stolen away by the relentless flood.
Despite warnings about heavy rainfall, Maryam and her fellow villagers were left to grapple with the aftermath of the disaster. “We had nowhere else to go,” Maryam laments. “All we could do was pray it wouldn’t cause any destruction.”
The floods left Maryam and her community struggling to recover. “The governor visited our community and promised to provide assistance,” Maryam recalls, a glimmer of hope flickering in her eyes. “However, despite the assurance, nothing was done, and we received no shelter or support from anyone.”
Maryam’s story is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of climate change on vulnerable communities around the world. The floods of 2022 left her and her fellow villagers displaced, heartbroken, and struggling to rebuild their lives. As the world grapples with the escalating climate crisis, Maryam’s story serves as a poignant call to action, urging us to take heed of the warnings and work towards a more resilient and sustainable future.
Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resources Centre) is a non-governmental organisation and non-partisan human rights and development league.