Bauchi: 24 killed, 163 injured in flood disaster
From Paul Orude, Bauchi
Twenty people have reportedly died, with 163 others injured, in a flood disaster in Bauchi State as a result of heavy rainfall.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Hajara Yakubu Wanka, at a press briefing held at Government House Bauchi, on Monday.
Wanka, who spoke after a State Executive Council Meeting presided over by Governor Bala Mohammed, described it as one of the worst flood disasters in the state.
She explained that persistent heavy rainfall witnessed in the past months led to flooding, which affected mostly the northern parts of the state.
The Commissioner disclosed that the flooding displaced 122,330 persons in several local governments in the state, and mostly affected Shira, Giade, Dambam, and Itas Gadau.
According to her, the flood washed away 60 culverts and cut out 12 major roads in the state, disrupting social and economic activities in several parts of the state in the process.
She revealed that 11,183 livestock were lost to the flooding, which also destroyed 2000 houses.
She said that 178 electric poles were destroyed while 52, 035 houses were affected by the flood disaster
Wanka disclosed that Governor Bala Mohammed has visited the affected local governments and donated relief materials that include both material and non-material items.
She said the Governor has set up a committee to ascertain the level of damage recorded in the flood disaster
She commanded the Federal government for the quick response to the flood disasters, sending delegations to support victims in the state
Wanka revealed that no fewer than four ministers were deployed by President Bola Tinubu to Bauchi state as a response to the flood disaster.
She pledged the commitment of the state government to partner with the federal government and its relevant agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NAMA) to ameliorate the sufferings of victims.
The Commissioner said most of the displaced persons are residing in host communities in parts of the state, and said that the state governor has set up a committee to ascertain the level of damage and come up with a lasting solution to the problem in the state.
Bauchi is among 13 states predicted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) that will experience devastating flood disasters as a result of heavy rainfall for days.
