‘ Flood, accidents claim 39 lives in Jigawa’

NO fewer than 39 people lost their lives to fire and flood disaster in Guri, Kafin Hausa, Malam Madori Local Government Areas in Jigawa State.

Executive Secretary, Jigawa State Relief Management Agency ( SEMA), Alhaji Yusuf Babura, who disclosed this in his office, said flood affected one quarter of Guri and destroyed over 400 houses with 10 deaths.

Similarly, over 1000 houses were blown off in major towns and cities in Taura, Ringim, Birnin- Kudu, Dutse, among other LGAS across the state.

Babura also said recently, a big lorry conveying commuters coming from Gumel to Shuwarin was involved in an accident and caught fire instantly, where 29 passengers lost their lives. All the deceased families, he said, received N100,000 each from the state government.

According to him, 18 out of 27 LGAS in Jigawa state were flooded last year in which assistance worth over N2 billion was rendered to victims by the agency.

The assistance, he said, came in the form of provision of food, blankets, medication and mattresses among others.

Other relief materials extended to victims were improved seeds, chemicals, sprayers, bundles of roofing zincs, large consignments of cement, clothing, and shelters.

On measures to control the yearly menace, Babura said, the agency has adopted strategic plans in conjunction with environmental experts, alongside other relevant stakeholders to confront the issues holistically.

He advised residents against living on riverine areas, urging them to clear waterways and gutters within their domain as preventive measures towards controlling flooding.