1,838 HOUSES IN GOMBE ARE DESTROYED BY FLOOD, SEMA CONFIRMS

Babatunji Wusu –

According to reports, the Gombe State flood tragedy in 2023 claimed at least three lives and injured twenty-two more.

This was revealed in a statement provided the media by the Gombe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).

According to the statement, between May and October 2023, 1,838 homes and 257 farmlands were damaged, along with seven animal deaths.

These specifics were revealed by the agency’s executive secretary, Abdullahi Abdullahi, on Thursday during a conversation with reporters in Gombe. Eight of the state’s eleven local government areas (LGAs) were affected by the disaster, despite the 2023 Flood Outlook’s estimate that only three LGAs will be impacted.

The worst-hit locations, according to Abdullahi, include Yamaltu/Deba, Gombe, Akko, Funakaye, Balanga, Nafada, Kaltungo, and Shongom.

He claimed that the towns’ farmers were negatively harmed by the intense rains and windstorms, which seriously damaged farmlands. The government provided humanitarian supplies to disaster victims in an effort to lessen their suffering.

Moreover, the state administration is making a concerted effort to broaden the scope of assistance services offered to all impacted populations.

Relief supplies have been authorized by Governor Inuwa Yahaya for a few impacted areas. In addition, we have reported flooding in the remaining areas, and we are working to get relief supplies to them as well,” Abdullahi disclosed.

In order to accelerate help for the affected individuals, he also mentioned that the group has submitted correspondence to the North East Development Commission (NEDC) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

Speaking about the fallout from this year’s flood, Abdullahi stated that the death toll has decreased. He went on to say that reaching this result was largely due to the awareness programs’ effective execution.

“To lessen the effects of the tragedy, Gov. Yahaya ordered widespread public awareness campaigns and the activation of emergency response systems after receiving flood alerts from NASA and NiMet.

The official claimed that “this helped in creating awareness among the residents of the state.”

As he praised the state government for helping the flood victims, Abdullahi urged those who had not yet been contacted to be patient.
“The state government and other relevant agencies are aware of your plight and are making efforts to assist you,” he continued. “I assure you that we will reach out to the affected communities as soon as we receive the materials.”