The Gombe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has reported that a total of 2,517 houses and shops were either completely or partially destroyed by recent floods that ravaged 33 communities across the state.
The devastating incident, which occurred between August 12 and August 22, primarily affected the Dukku, Funakaye, and Billiri Local Government Areas (LGAs).
Mr. Ibrahim Nalado, Deputy Director of Relief and Rehabilitation at SEMA, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Gombe.
He detailed the extent of the destruction, stating that 10 communities in Dukku LGA, 20 in Funakaye LGA, and three in Billiri LGA were severely impacted by the flooding.
“The flooding and windstorms primarily affected houses and a few farmlands in these communities,” Nalado said.
He also mentioned that while no lives were lost in the disaster, two children sustained injuries in Dukku, and seven animals were washed away by the floodwaters.
Nalado highlighted the significant damage to farmlands, particularly in the Hina community of Yamaltu/Deba LGA.
He noted that approximately 1,000 hectares of rice, maize, sorghum, and millet farmlands were submerged in water, leaving farmers devastated as they were on the verge of harvesting their crops.
“The impact of the flooding is huge and devastating, especially considering the vast area affected,” Nalado said.
He added that SEMA had assessed the damage in Hina community and was in the process of compiling a comprehensive report to be submitted to the state government and other relevant agencies.
Nalado emphasized that the extent of the damage would require collective efforts from both the state and federal governments to address.
He appealed to the North East Development Commission and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for support in assisting the affected communities.
In his appeal to the victims, Nalado urged patience, assuring them that the government and other agencies would come to their aid.
“The farmers were so worried, but because it was a natural phenomenon, they accepted it in good faith,” he added.
