Flooding caused by heavy rainfall has killed two and destroyed houses, shops, farmlands, roads and bridges in Gombe State, just as many people were reportedly injured from the effects of the rainfall.
The heavy downpour which started about 2:00 am on Monday, ended around 7:00 am in most parts of the state and its environs.
The resultant flood-displaced some residents of Jekadafari, Gabukka, Pantami and Bolari in Gombe LGA, Hayin Misau, BCGA, and Barunde in Akko LGA, Bojude and Gadam in Kwami LGA, washed away some parts of the ever-busy Gombe-Bauchi road, Makera road among other adjoining streets in various parts of the state.
Two lives were reported lost at Idi area while lot of residents were seen Monday morning trying to scoop water from their houses while others have already relocated to neighbouring houses because the water has destroyed their houses completely.
Sheikh Usman Aljuzury, a resident of Gabukka in Gombe metropolis, while narrating his ordeal, said he had suffered from effects of flooding in the area for the past years.
“Today’s flood is indeed a serious calamity that has befallen me. I was at home reading my books when water began to enter into my house as a result of the accumulated pressure of the downpour.
“Speaking to you now, I have lost most of my belongings especially books, electronics, beddings, laptop and other personal belongings,” Sheikh Aljuzury said.
He urged the state governments to come to their aid, saying that flood was one of the greatest challenges faced by residents in the area.
Baba na Goje, a resident of Hayin Misau where many houses were destroyed beyond repair, also cried for help as flood took over houses in the area, saying that the rain did not allow him to sleep.
He further said that some residents of the affected area had taken refuge in areas where the flood did not penetrate.
He also appealed to the state government to construct drainage in the area to save residents from the perennial annual flood.
“The situation is pathetic, most people have relocated to their neighbour’s houses because the water has destroyed their houses completely.” He said.
In Gombe Blacksmith’s market, many shops and stalls were also destroyed as a result of the collapse of a gully beside the place.
Speaking to our correspondent, Chairman of Makera Progressive Union, Alhaji Garba Mangal said the blacksmiths market is badly affected by the flood. He lamented that they are losing shops and goods worth millions of naira as a result of the continuous collapse of a gully beside the place.
“Our people here have been suffering for years. This gully has been swallowing our shops every raining season. Our people have lost goods worth millions of naira to flood. He said
Mangal hoped that the government would do something concerning the issue soon as he said, Gov. Inuwa Yahaya, is a listening leader.
“I trust the Government of Alhaji Inuwa Yahaya. I know they are working towards providing a lasting solution to it. We heard recently that the government in collaboration with NEWMAP have awarded the contract for the construction of some gullies. We do hope that this one will be given the highest priority. He pleaded.
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