In a devastating blow to Gombe State, floods have destroyed over 2,500 houses and shops across 33 communities, according to the Gombe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
The agency disclosed that the catastrophic floods, which occurred between August 12 and August 22, wreaked havoc across Dukku, Funakaye, and Billiri Local Government Areas (LGAs).
Mr. Ibrahim Nalado, Deputy Director of Relief and Rehabilitation at SEMA, revealed the grim details on Saturday, stating that the heavy downpours led to the inundation of ten communities in Dukku LGA, 20 in Funakaye LGA, and three in Billiri LGA.
The relentless waters, driven by torrential rains and strong windstorms, mostly targeted residential houses, with some farmlands also caught in the deluge.
Though there were no fatalities, the flooding resulted in injuries to two children in Dukku, while seven animals were swept away by the surging waters.
Nalado emphasized that the damage was particularly severe in Hina community within Yamaltu/Deba LGA, where an estimated 1,000 hectares of rice, maize, sorghum, and millet farmlands were submerged, crushing the hopes of farmers who were on the brink of harvest.
“The farmers were getting ready to harvest their crops,” Nalado stated, highlighting the despair among the affected farmers. “The farmers were so worried but because it was a natural phenomenon, they accepted it in good fate.”
SEMA teams have been on the ground to assess the level of damage, with reports currently being compiled for submission to the state government and other relevant agencies. Nalado described the situation as “huge and devastating,” underscoring the widespread destruction caused by the floods.
As the state continues to grapple with the aftermath, affected residents and farmers are left to rebuild their lives, awaiting aid and support from the government and humanitarian organizations.
