SEMA: Two children injured, 2,517 houses destroyed by flood in Gombe

The Gombe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) says heavy rainfall has destroyed about 2,517 houses and shops in 33 communities in the state.

Speaking during an interview with NAN on Saturday, Ibrahim Nalado, deputy director of relief and rehabilitation of the agency, said the downpour occurred between August 12 and 22.

Nalado said the flood-ravaged farmlands and houses were located in Dukku, Funakaye and Billiri LGAs of the state.

“In Dukku LGA, 10 communities were affected. In Funakaye LGA, 20 communities were affected and in Billiri LGA, three communities were affected,” NAN quoted Nalado as saying.

He said no life was lost but two children sustained injuries in Dukku LGA, while seven animals were washed away by flood in the area.

The deputy director said the Hina community in Yamaltu/Deba LGA was the worst hit, with around 1,000 hectares of rice, maize, sorghum, and millet farmlands submerged.

“Farmers were getting ready to harvest their crops,” he added.

“The farmers were so worried but because it was a natural phenomenon, they accepted it in good fate.”

In a similar development, about 1,650 houses were destroyed by flood in Jajere and Yunusari towns in Yobe state.

Mohammed Goje, executive secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), said the recent flood displaced a total of 413 households in the towns.

Goje said the agency is currently conducting the final assessment of damages caused by the heavy rainfall in Yusufari, Wagir, Mutai Chirokusko, Bade, and Potiskum towns.

“SEMA is conducting daily review meetings to asses the situation, update stakeholders and come up with immediate response plan in line with vulnerabilities of affected locations and resources available on ground,” he said.

The executive secretary said Mai Mala Buni, governor of Yobe, has ordered that relief materials be delivered to the affected communities within 24 to 48 hours.

He added that the agency will soon commence cash disbursement to the victims.