Bauchi State has been significantly affected by heavy rainfall, which has led to devastating floods across three local government areas.
The relentless downpour lasted for three consecutive days, resulting in the loss of lives, destruction of property, and displacement of communities.
In total, three individuals and numerous domestic animals have been confirmed dead, while homes, farmlands, and other assets worth millions of Naira have been destroyed.
Government Response and Damage Assessment
In response to the crisis, the Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, established a high-level committee to assess the extent of the damage.
This committee, led by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barrister Ibrahim Kashim Mohammed, was tasked with visiting the affected areas to evaluate the situation on the ground.
The team conducted a thorough inspection of several key locations, including Giade Local Government Area (LGA).
One of the most significant findings was the complete destruction of the Giade-Shira section of the Federal Highway, which had been entirely washed away, rendering it unusable.
The team also reviewed damage to the Giade-Azare State Road and the Azare-Jama’are section of the Kano-Maiduguri Expressway, both of which were severely impacted by the floods.
Government’s Commitment to Relief Efforts
During the visit, the SSG, representing the Governor, expressed deep sympathy for the victims of the flood.
He acknowledged the severity of the natural disaster and assured the affected communities that the government would provide relief to mitigate the impact of their losses.
To demonstrate this commitment, the Bauchi State Government has already begun distributing relief materials to flood victims in the three hardest-hit local government areas.
The Devastation in Katagum Local Government Area
In Katagum LGA, the flood’s impact has been particularly catastrophic. The delegation was received by the Caretaker Chairman, Alhaji Musa Azare, who detailed the extensive damage.
According to him, entire villages have been washed away, forcing residents to seek shelter in temporary resettlement centers.
Alhaji Musa Azare praised the government’s quick response, emphasizing that it underscores a strong commitment to the well-being of the citizens despite the enormous challenges posed by the flooding.
Thousands Left Homeless and Displaced
The Director General of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mas’ud Aliyu, reported that the floods have left thousands of people homeless, with their means of livelihood, particularly farmlands, completely destroyed.
He confirmed the tragic deaths of three individuals, with ongoing assessments to determine the full scope of the disaster across the affected local government areas.
Ongoing Relief and Support Efforts
The relief materials provided by the Bauchi State Government aim to alleviate the suffering of the flood victims by supplying essential items needed for survival.
In addition to the SSG, several key officials were part of the delegation, including the State Commissioner of Humanitarian and Disaster Management, Hajara Yakubu Wanka, and the Commissioner of Housing and Environment, Rt Hon Danlami Ahmad Kawule.
They were joined by the Commissioner of Works, Hon Ibrahim Gambo Galadima, the Commissioner of Finance, Dr. Yakubu Adamu, the Director General of SEMA, and representatives from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
Gratitude and Future Actions
The Caretaker Committee Chairman of Giade LGA expressed gratitude to the Governor for dispatching a powerful delegation to assess the situation.
He noted that numerous communities and villages have been submerged by the floods, further emphasizing the dire need for continued government intervention and support.
The government’s ongoing efforts to provide relief and rebuild the affected areas will be crucial in helping the communities recover from this devastating natural disaster.