Alhaji Yusuf Garba, Chairman, Alkaleri Local government area of Bauchi state, has confirmed the incidence of heavy flooding that claimed the lives of two persons, with one other missing and 100 hectares of farmlands destroyed in Duguri district of the local government.
Garba disclosed this on Friday when the state’s 2021 Committee on Flood relief and Rehabilitation, led by the Chairman, Alhaji Baba Tela visited the affected area in Duguri for assessment.
He said the flood, triggered by three days torrential rain in the district, from Tuesday to Thursday, resulted in the overflow of water unto the affected farms.
“Two persons were confirmed dead, one person still missing in the river; the floods destroyed over 100 hectares of farmlands cutting across Duguri, Yashi, Anguwan Rogo communities, involving no fewer than 10 villages.
“Large hectares of farmlands were washed away by the flood leaving farmers devastated and in a confused state, after putting all the effort and resources in the farms,” he said.
Garba appealed to the government, at all levels, to support the affected farmers, who were still mulling how to cope with the heavy losses caused by the flood.
“Though we know the government has assisted a lot of people, we are still appealing to them to do more because farmers are still battling with the shock of the worst flooding,” the Chairman said.
Responding, Sen. Baba Tela, the Chairman of the Committee and also the State Deputy Governor, sympathised with the affected Communities, urging them to consider the calamity as an act of God and pray for the repose of the souls of the deceased.
He described the magnitude of the damage done by the flood as very pathetic and devastating, while urging them to remain calm as the state government would take necessary action, including contacting all the relevant agencies to support the communities.
Tela also called on the Federal Government, relevant agencies, individuals and corporate bodies to support the state, because it is the worst hit by floods.
