BAUCHI FLOOD: 24 People Died, 163 injured

From: Ahmad Saka, Bauchi

Bauchi State Government has explained that 24 people lost their lives while the number of injured is 163 as result of heavy flood that affected communuties in 16 local government areas of the State. 

The Commissioner Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Hajiya Hajara Yakubu Wanka, said this today at a press briefing held at Government House Bauchi, after a State Executive Council Meeting earlier presided over by Governor Bala Mohammed. 

Hajara explained that the recent persistent heavy rainfall witnessed in the state as predicted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) led to floods which affected mostly the northern parts of the state. 

She said that floods displaced 122, 330 persons with Shira, Giade, Dambam, Itas Gadau local government areas mostly affected. 

Commissioner said the flood washed away 60 culverts and cut out 12 major roads in the state, disrupting social and economic activities in the process. She said that 11, 183 livestock, 52, 035 houses, 178 electric poles were destroyed by the floods.

Hajara said they are working with the ministry of Health, Education and other relevant ministries on the level of damage and the catasrope still unquantifiable.

Commissioner said Governor Bala Mohammed personally went to the some of the locations in katagum zone, and commended the federal government for the show of concern because five ministers came to Bauchi and commisserated with the government and people of the state.

She said we are putting head together with the federal government to get a lasting solution to the recurren5 flood disaster in the state.

Commissioner said Governor Bala Mohammed approved additional funding to renovate some culverts.

She said government also take some relier materials like food items, noodles various other grains, mats, blankets had been distributed to the victims to ease their sufferings.

It will be recall that Bauchi was among 31 states predicted by NIMET would experience devastating floods as a result of heavy rainfall for days this year.