Heavy rainfall claims three lives in Bauchi

Severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall in Bauchi North Senatorial District has claimed the lives of at least three individuals.

The torrential rains, which persisted for three days, also resulted in the death of domestic animals, the destruction of farmlands, and significant damage to property, with losses estimated in the millions.

In response to the disaster, Bauchi State Governor Sen Bala Mohammed has formed a high-level committee to assess the damage. The committee, led by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Barr Ibrahim Kashim Mohammed, includes several key officials: State Commissioner of Humanitarian and Disaster Management Hajara Yakubu Wanka, Commissioner of Housing and Environment Rt Hon Danlami Ahmad Kawule, Commissioner of Works Hon Ibrahim Gambo Galadima, Commissioner of Finance Dr Yakubu Adamu, and the Director General of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), alongside representatives from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

The committee visited the Giade Local Government Area (LGA) to evaluate the damage. They found that the Giade-Shira section of the Federal Highway had been entirely washed away, rendering it impassable. The Giade-Azare State Road and the Azare-Jama’are section of the Kano-Maiduguri Expressway were also severely affected.

On behalf of the Governor, the SSG extended condolences to the victims and promised that relief efforts would be undertaken to alleviate their suffering.

During a press briefing in Giade LG, Mas’ud Aliyu, Director General of SEMA, reported that thousands of residents have been displaced, with homes and farmlands destroyed. He confirmed the deaths of three people and noted that damage assessments are ongoing across the three affected LGAs.

The relief materials being provided by the state government are expected to help mitigate the impact on the victims. The Caretaker Committee Chairman of Giade LGA expressed appreciation for the Governor’s swift action, highlighting that many communities and villages have been submerged by the flood.