Abuja: FEMA rescues trapped residents as flood wreaks havoc

The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FCT FEMA), has rescued some residents of Emerald Flower estate, Lokogoma district and Maitama extension after flood ravaged and submerged the communities.

Deputy Director, Forecasting, Response and Mitigation of the FCT FEMA, Florence Wenegieme said the downpour which started around 5.00pm and lasted for more than an hour saw residents trapped in buildings and properties worth millions of naira destroyed.

According to her, the flood that occurred around Emerald Flower estate was due to the obstruction caused by buildings erected on the waterways thereby hindering the free flow of water. She said the problem of flooding around the area started three years ago due to bad construction of bridges and roads by estate developers.

According to her, similar experience was also recorded at Maitama extension area of the FCT on same day, where residents were trapped in building due to a splash flood but got rescued by FEMA.

She advised developers to ensure that roads and bridges are well constructed, adding that residents should stop dumping refuse in flowing water so as to avert similar occurrence.