Death toll in Bauchi flood disaster rises to 18

The Bauchi State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA has confirmed the death of 11 more people following the recent flood disaster in Bauchi North Senatorial District, bringing the number of deaths recorded so far to 18.

Newspot gathered that the recent flood incident occurred in Gadiya village in Gamawa Local Government Area of the State where affected communities continue to grapple with the aftermath.

The flood also destroyed over 200 houses and washed away over 300 farmlands, leaving villagers stranded and homeless.

Recall that 7 persons were reportedly killed from severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall in the same Bauchi North Senatorial District two weeks ago.

The rain which fell for three consecutive days claimed the lives of domestic animals and destroyed farmlands and other valuables.

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The village head of Gadiya, Yau Umar, who spoke with our reporter in a phone interview on Wednesday said more than 100 people have taken refuge in his palace, adding that others have taken shelter in the village mosques and schools.

This is as he appealed to the government and philanthropists to provide urgent assistance.

Another resident, Amina Gadiya, told Newspot in a phone conversation that the flood-ravaged almost half of the village, particularly because many houses were made of mud.

Amina noted that the villagers are facing severe shortages of food, shelter, and clothing, as many have lost their means of livelihood, leaving children hungry.

She recounted sleepless nights leading up to the flood, which eventually forced them from their homes.

Gadiya described how men in the village spent hours rescuing women, children, and those trapped in collapsed buildings, as emergency assistance from authorities was slow to arrive.

Confirming the incident, the Information Officer of SEMA, Abdullah Saleh said in a phone interview with Newspot that thousands of people have been displaced, with their homes and farmlands destroyed.

Aliyu added that assessments were ongoing across the three affected LGAs which are Gamawa, Katagum and Shira Local Government Area.

He stated further that SEMA has begun the distribution of relief materials to the affected victims, with N1 million given to each affected LGA for onward distribution among the victims.