Growing concerns have emerged in Mashi Local Government Area of Katsina State after a prolonged rainfall left residents fearing a possible flood disaster in several parts of the community.
The downpour, which lasted for hours on Sunday, overwhelmed drainage channels, flooded low-lying areas and triggered erosion in different sections of the town.
Residents who spoke on Monday said the development had increased anxiety among households, especially those living close to waterways and flood-prone locations.
A resident of Shema Quarters Housing Estate, Malam Umar Abubakar, said the volume of water recorded during the rainfall posed a serious threat to lives and property.
According to him, continued heavy rainfall could force many families to abandon their homes if preventive measures are not taken.
Residents of Unguwar Tsoma also lamented the recurring flooding challenges in the area, describing the situation as a long-standing problem that resurfaces every rainy season and puts communities at risk.
Another resident, Malam Anas Rabiu, appealed to the state government to urgently address the situation through the construction of drainage infrastructure in vulnerable areas.
He identified Unguwar Tsoma Takalafiya, Unguwar Kashe Naira, Unguwar Sabon Layi and Unguwar Gabas as some of the communities most exposed to flooding.
Rabiu stressed the need for swift government intervention, noting that adequate drainage systems would help reduce the threat to lives and property.
Similarly, Abba Haruna urged both state and local authorities to clear blocked drainages and create additional channels to improve the movement of floodwater across the affected communities.
He warned that delays in responding to the problem could worsen the situation as the rainy season progresses.
Also speaking, Malama Hauwa’u Bishir of Unguwar Tsoma Takalafiya said the recent rainfall had already caused extensive erosion within parts of the neighbourhood.
She explained that a portion of a road had been washed away, while advancing floodwater was gradually encroaching on areas close to residential buildings.
Bishir cautioned that without immediate intervention, more roads, homes and public infrastructure could be damaged in the coming weeks.
The residents therefore called for urgent preventive measures to mitigate flood risks and protect communities from further destruction during the rainy season.