THREE lives have been lost and over 1,000 houses have been destroyed by flooding across three local government areas in Bauchi State, in North-East Nigeria.
Officials of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) reported these figures as they begin assessing the extent of the damage caused by the recent floods.
During a visit to the affected communities in Shira, Giade, and Katagum local government areas by the state government delegation, the Director General of Bauchi State Emergency Management Agency, Mas’ud Aliyu, said, “In Shira Local Government Area, three people have lost their lives.”
“The three local government areas of Shira, Katagum, and Giade are not the only ones affected. Many other local government areas are also impacted,” Aliyu added.
Aliyu further detailed the devastation, stating, “In Giade, over 300,000 houses have been affected, and the Giade to Azare road has been cut off. In Shira, lives have been lost, with more than 400,000 houses affected. Flooding is also threatening the Shira to Azare road, and the extent of farmland destruction is yet to be determined.”
He said many communities in Katagum have been displaced, with thousands of houses destroyed.
Also, the Secretary to the State Government, Ibrahim Kashim, the Bauchi State Government has provided emergency relief for the victims.
“The damage is extensive. You can see the large acres of land under water. Our hearts and prayers go out to the farmers. In the interim, His Excellency has sent a token contribution to provide relief to those whose houses have been destroyed by the floods.
“The government has sent large consignments of rice, maize, sorghum, blankets, mats, and a token amount of money for distribution,” Kashim said.
Meanwhile, work is in progress to repair the Kano-Maiduguri highway, which was cut off a few days ago.
Predictions indicate that Bauchi State is expected to experience more flooding in the coming days.
