BY FATIMA IBRAHIM YAGANA, SEPTEMBER 15, 2024 | 12:05AM

In the aftermath of the recent devastating floods, women and children have emerged as the most vulnerable victims, their stories reflecting both the immediate trauma and the uncertain future that lies ahead.

For families like that of Habiba Salisu, the floodwaters have not only swept away homes but also peace of mind.

Fleeing from Gonidarmgari with her ten children, Habiba now finds herself in a makeshift shelter at Decentified International School in Bolori, a temporary refuge for over 100 displaced people.

'I can't sleep. Every time I close my eyes, I see the floodwaters rising, the dead bodies floating by from the mortuary nearby. I feel like we escaped, but not completely,' Habiba recounted, her voice quivering as she recalled the horrors of that fateful night.

The flood, which has displaced thousands, has been particularly harsh on women like Habiba, who are not only dealing with the trauma of losing their homes but also the responsibility of caring for their children in overcrowded and under-resourced shelters.

Many of them are left grappling with the fear that their children may fall ill in these harsh conditions, with little access to medical care, food, or clean water.

Habiba's neighbor, Ya Gana Zannah, a mother of 16, shared similar sentiments.

Her house, too, was swept away by the rising waters. Now crammed into a classroom at the school, Ya Gana spoke of her desperation.

'We left everything behind. We have nothing. I don't even know where to begin rebuilding our lives,' she narrated.

Among those enduring the crisis is Hauwa Zannah, who gave birth just one day after arriving at the camp.

Her newborn, like many other young children in the shelter, is at risk of malnutrition and disease due to the limited resources available.

'I don't know how I will feed my baby in these conditions, and we've lost everything,' Hauwa confided.

The shelter, though a temporary relief, is far from adequate. The displaced families, mostly women and children, sleep on cold floors, with little privacy or comfort.

Hauwa requires a nutritious meal to support her breastfeeding and recovery, new clothes and diapers for her newborn, access to medical care and check-ups for both mother and baby, and a safe and hygienic environment to reduce the risk of infection, in order to give her and her baby a chance to thrive despite the challenging circumstances.

The women, who are the pillars of these families, now face the added burden of protecting their children from the deteriorating health conditions in the shelter.

Aid workers and local non governmental organizations, NGOs are scrambling to provide relief, but the overwhelming needs of the displaced population, especially women and children, make it a daunting task.

Many fear that without swift and comprehensive intervention, the most vulnerable, particularly infants, pregnant women, and the elderly, will face severe consequences.

As the floodwaters recede, the scars left behind in these families' lives remain deep.

For the women of Gonidarmgari and other affected areas, rebuilding from this disaster will not only require homes and livelihoods but also healing from the emotional toll.

Their children, who have lived through the trauma of displacement, will need protection, stability, and a sense of hope for the future.

Yet amidst the hardship, there is resilience. These women, despite the trauma and uncertainty, continue to fight for their families' survival.

'We are alive and for that, I am grateful,' Habiba whispered softly.

As their plight becomes more desperate, the cries for help grow louder, demanding a response that goes beyond temporary relief.

For the women and children left vulnerable in the wake of the floods, their future hangs in the balance.