I am 64 years old but I have never experienced destruction like this

Dayyabu Musa, Warawa relief head

In one area about 40 kilometres (25 miles) south of the state capital, Kano, eyewitnesses describe a scene of devastation as floodwaters from the Wudil River submerge a broad floodplain.

There had been warnings that rising water levels behind two dams on the river were threatening to break through, but it appears that when it happened, people were caught unaware by the scale of the disaster.

Makeshift camps

The town of Wudil - with a population of more than 100,000 - is largely under water along with dozens of surrounding villages.

Local reports say as many as 45 people are missing, presumed dead, although the state government has not confirmed this.

Mud and thatched houses were washed away and thousands of people have fled to higher ground.

Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso has visited makeshift camps set up by those made homeless and promised funds to resettle them.

The rains have been heavier this season than most people can remember across northern Nigeria.