8,540 houses destroyed by flood in Zamfara, says NEMA
THE National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has disclosed that nine people died while 8,540 houses were destroyed as a result of various flood disaster in Zamfara State.
Speaking while presenting relief materials to Zamfara State government, the Director General of NEMA, Muhammad Sani-Sidi, said the gesture was part of Federal Government’s assistance to flood disaster victims in the state.
Sani-Sidi disclosed that hydro-meteorological disasters have affected several states across the country, which Zamfara State was part of the hits areas.
The DG, NEMA, who was represented by the Director, Relief and Rehabilitation, Mr. Eugeune Eze, explained that flood disasters have caused substantial damage to lives and livelihood.
According to him, initial report had indicated that eight out of 14 local councils in the state were affected, which include Gusau, Shinkafi, Anka, Gummi, Tsafe, Zurmi, Bungudu and Bakura.
He maintained that 6,450 hectares of farmlands were affected, 8,540 houses were affected or destroyed and a total of nine people died as a result of the flood disasters in the state.
“A total of nine persons died as a result of the flood disasters in the state. I learnt that a mother and her four children lost their lives in a single incident at Nasarawa Tudun Wada in Gusau local council.”
The DG stressed that these incidents necessitated his visit to the state to commiserate with the government and people and to also present relief materials to those affected as part of Federal Government assistance to alleviate their sufferings.
“Management of natural disaster needs proactive Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) measures, in collaboration and coordination of emergency response organisations, early warning and early action.”
Items presented to the victims include 1,120 bags of rice, 2,240 bags of maize, 1,800 bags of beans, 300 bundles of roofing materials, cement, detergents, blankets and plastic buckets.
In his response, Governor Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Professor Abdullahi Shinkafi, appreciated NEMA’s effort.
Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox every day of the week. Stay informed with the Guardian’s leading coverage of Nigerian and world news, business, technology and sports.
1 Comments
There is no reason for this to be happening. if we had effective flood controls and drainage, we could effectively control the flood and prevent this massive destruction and waste of money. if the romans in the middle ages can move water from mountain down to their cities, why can’t Nigeria in 2015 be able to prevent flooding. we know when the flood would happen, we know where they would happen. it is now a matter of ensuring that we effectively control the flood. we have high youth unemployment. why not hire this youth to build and maintain effective flood control and drainage across the state. This flood water can then be stored in a man made lake, or even moved to refill lake chad. we need creative leaders willing to work.
We will review and take appropriate action.