The Adamawa State Government has cautioned residents living in or close to flood-prone areas to relocate to higher grounds to avoid flooding that may result in the loss of lives and property.
Dr Celine Laori, the Executive Secretary of the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA), had issued the warning during an interview with NAN in Yola on Tuesday.
Laori had said that the recent flooding in the three Local Government Areas of Madagali, Demsa, and Numan had been devastating and now served as a lesson for residents living in low-lying areas prone to flooding to flee while they could.
She further added that the flood affected 21 communities across the three local government areas, causing six deaths and displacing over 12,961 persons.
It was then revealed that the government had immediately provided the victims with relief items, including food and non-food items such as rice, maize, vegetable oil, mattresses, blankets, hygiene kits, and clothing for both children and adults.
Lastly, Laoti called on traditional leaders to complement government efforts in sensitising the residents to save lives and property, while also making appeals to Non-Governmental Organisations and wealthy individuals to support government efforts in aiding flood victims.
What They’re Saying
In Laori’s words;
“The flood was devastating, affecting people’s livelihoods, destroying bridges, houses, shops, healthcare facilities, schools, and farmlands, among others.”
“In Madagali alone, the flood affected over 10,264 individuals across 11 communities, with victims currently taking shelter in nine different camps.
“In Numan, it affected about 1,113 people and displaced 206 people across five communities, with the displaced persons in two different camps. In Demsa, it affected 1,584 people in five communities.”
