President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed his sadness and concern over the unprecedented devastation caused by floods in Katsina state and other parts of the country.
A statement by his senior special assistant on media and publicity, Garba Shehu said that he had pledged the federal government’s support for the victims of the disaster.
The President emphasized his deep sadness over the devastation and loss of lives in the floods.
The President directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to do everything that will bring succor to the victims wherever they are.
“As rescue and prevention efforts continue, let me express the sincere condolences of my family, the government and people of Nigeria to all the victims of the destruction by the floods. Let me assure that we stand ready to provide, within available resources, every assistant that is needed to bring comfort to those in distress.”
The Katsina Governor, Aminu Masari had today, Monday said that over 44 people had lost their lives while 20 others were still missing following yesterday, Sunday flood disaster in Jibia Local Government Area of the state.
Governor Masari, who inspected the affected areas in the local government, said more than 500 houses were destroyed while thousands of people rendered homeless.
He said that scores of animals were also killed during the disaster, which occurred on Sunday night and lasted for over three hours.
‘’I can say that I have never seen this kind of disaster in my life. The water level is above 10 feet height and it is a purely a natural disaster as the government had constructed drainages that were emptying into Jibia river.
“The water from the river moved in a reverse order and came back to the town and caused the flooding.
“I have seen a young groom of three days old who loss his bride and still searching for her.”
The governor said that the government had already relocated the victims to a primary school in the area, adding that he had informed the federal government about the disaster stressing that NEMA had already brought 13 trucks loaded with relief materials for distribution to the victims.
The governor said that he had directed the state Ministry of Environment to look into the possibility of diverting the water from direct contact with the river. [myad]
