HEDA Resource Centre

The community of Gidan Madi, is a testament to human resilience against the relentless forces of nature. However, beneath its tranquil façade lies a stark reality – a community teetering on the brink of imbalance.

Auwalu Musa,

a lifelong resident of Gidan Madi, has witnessed first-hand the community’s battle against the annual floods that have become an unwelcome companion. “The flooding has been a constant threat,” he shares, voice tinged with a mix of defiance.

In 2022, the floods reached unprecedented heights, unleashing a torrent of destruction that left no stone unturned. Homes were engulfed, livelihoods washed away, and dreams shattered. Musa’s home, once a haven of warmth and laughter, was reduced to a desolate ruin, its foundations submerged beneath the churning waters.

“The flood of 2022 was a nightmare,” Musa recalls, his eyes clouded with the memory of that catastrophic night. “It felt like the very earth beneath our feet was crumbling.”

The aftermath of the flood has been a relentless struggle for survival. Homes lie in ruins, crops are destroyed, and the community’s spirit is broken. The once vibrant Gidan Madi is now a shadow of itself, its inhabitants grappling with the harsh realities of displacement and despair.

the community has not experienced such a flood in sixty years. We are desperate for help, “We need the government to step in, to provide us with the resources and support we need to rebuild our lives.” Musa seeks that the government mobilises resources and expertise to help them rise from the ashes of disaster and reclaim their rightful place in society.

This story is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of communities in the face of climate change. The intensifying weather patterns, exacerbated by human actions, are creating an environment that is increasingly hostile to human habitation.

The international community has a moral obligation to stand in solidarity with those affected by natural disasters, provide emergency relief, and invest in long-term adaptation strategies, helping communities build resilience and adapt to the changing climate.