FLOOD: 21 persons feared dead as Buhari orders NEMA to declare ‘National Disaster’

The flood disaster which has ravaged parts of Jigawa State has reportedly claimed the lives of 21 person, an official has revealed.

According to Sani Ya’u, the executive secretary, Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), two kids were among the 21 victims who lost their lives.

Mr Ya’u revealed that the flood was as a result of opening of Tiga Dam in Kano State.

“Every year NIMET used to alert us whenever they want to unlock the dam so that we can be proactive. Unfortunately, this year, they opened the dam without notification. That’s why this year’s flooding came to us unprepared.”

He said the disaster ravaged 210 communities in 14 local government areas.

Read also: Pastor shot as unknown gunmen attack Anambra church

In a related development, President Muhammadu Buhari in a letter has ordered the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Mustapha Maihaja, to declare a “national disaster’’ in the event that anticipated flooding turns a reality in parts of the country.

The letter to the Director of General of NEMA titled: “Situation Report on the River Flood Along the Banks of Rivers Benue and Niger’’, which was signed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, said:

“Delegation of authority to the Director General of NEMA to activate the Disaster Response Units of the military for possible search and rescue missions.

“The procurement and proportionate stocking of relief materials and health related items up to N3 billion to provide for the needs of possible victims.’’

The letter also instructed the head of the emergency agency to provide regular updates to the president.

 

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